A NEW 780-home Derry residential development is set for outline planning approval next week.
The largest ever private residential investment in the north west is due to receive the green light from Derry City and Strabane District Council planning committee next Monday, March 25.
The outline planning application, which has been recommended for approval by council officers, comprises a mix of new homes including detached, semi-detached, townhouses, and apartments.
If as expected the plans are approved, a detailed application for the first phase of new homes is ready to be submitted shortly to allow construction to commence.
The overall 780-home neighbourhood development at Ballyoan adjacent to Crescent Link and Clooney Road, represents a £100 million investment from South Bank Square Ltd.
According to the developer the major project will create and sustain employment for 90 full time jobs each year over the 10-year duration of the build.
South Bank Square owner, Seamus Gillan said if everything goes to plan they hope to commence construction on site later this year.
“We are delighted to have received a recommendation for approval from the city planners. This is a unique site and a significant development for the Derry City region that will deliver much needed quality family homes in a neighbourhood environment," Mr Gillan said.
“If our application is approved we will take forward proposals for phase one of the development immediately, and we would hope to secure detailed permission in order to commence development on site later this year."
"We are very excited by this development and we are delighted to be creating a beautiful place to live, and contributing a new neighbourhood to the City that can also improve the lives of existing residents," he added.
In addition to the new homes, the developer's masterplan includes some commercial space, significant play and recreation areas, a linear park and public amenity space at the site.
It is also understood that, if approved, the new development will see significant improvements made to the Caw Roundabout and Gransha junctions, conditioned to be delivered throughout the duration of the project.
Brian Kelly, director of Turley, lead planner for South Bank Square, highlighted an increasing demand for quality homes, and welcomed the recommendation to approve the application.
“In recent years there have been few developments with the ability to develop housing of this scale and investment, and if approved this will be a welcome boost for the north west economy and for home-buyers seeking quality family homes in the city," he said.
“We are grateful for the effort from council planners and statutory agencies to bring this application to this point, and the support that it has received from local elected representatives.”
