Over 200 homes to be built in Altnagelvin

Members of the Committee unanimously endorsed outline planning permission for a major housing scheme at February’s committee meeting in the Council Chamber in Strabane.

The plan is to develop approximately 222 mixed dwelling units on part of the H22 zoned housing land located in the Altnagelvin area of the city.

The application was made on behalf of Thomas and Jillian Kelly, who own the land in question.

A Concept Master Plan for the entire zoning demonstrated how the comprehensive planning for the site is to be undertaken and can be achieved delivering an attractive and quality residential environment.

The development will include provision of play areas and open space and a mixed use retail element, all incorporating good linkages to public transport, infrastructure and the use of sustainable drainage systems.

Issues of concern from local residents, including the effect on amenity and the roads infrastructure, were fully considered by the planning officers and appropriate conditions will be attached to the Planning Permission to ensure these issues are addressed.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Kieran McGuire, emphasised the importance of this application for the Council area.

“This is a welcome boost for this Council area to help address the housing issue, particularly in the city.

“It is also a much needed boost to the local economy as it is proposed this development will require up to 150 construction workers during the development phase,” said the Council Planning Chair,

The development, which will be built on sloping fields, formerly used as farm land, had attracted numerous objections.

The original planning application was first lodged back in 2011.