Major housing development planned for Newtownstewart

A MAJOR housing development consisting of up to 180 new homes has been proposed for Newtownstewart.

Set to go before planners later this year, the project began on Monday with a public consultation in the form of an online webinar held by agents, Ostick & Williams Architects and Planners.

If given the green light, the new development, planned for lands fronting the Baronscourt Road and Old Castle Road, would be completed in six phases, with phase one expected to begin construction in 2022 and the final phase completed by 2029.

The 28-acre site is currently cultivated, open agricultural grassland in three large fields with mature hedgerows and associated watercourses around and through the site.

The proposal for approximately 180 units would include two-bedroom starter houses to four-bed family houses, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 storeys and would include private rear gardens and paving.

A spokesperson for Ostick & Williams this week stated, “The guiding principle of the development is that it be outward-looking and present frontages through the trees from distant viewpoints, particularly from Harry Avery’s Castle to the west of the site.

“With an emphasis on good connectivity, the proposal will link the new development back to the village via two new accesses, one from Baronscourt Road, to the north of the site, and one from Oldcastle Road, to the south.

“This will facilitate the proposed phasing of the development and ultimately, will provide good, balanced links to the village.”

The spokesman also suggested that the new housing development would greatly enhance the town of Newtownstewart and potentially make it a key area for commuters, due to the development on the A5.

Despite new delays to the A5 project, the housing developers are still keen to continue with the housing project.

The spokesperson added, “The delay to the A5 shouldn’t impact on the start of the new housing development.

“The site is adjacent to the proposed new A5 corridor with the potential to significantly improve links to Newtownstewart and improve the potential of the town as a residential commuter area.”

Feedback provided during the online consultation will be considered ahead of the Outline Planning Application being submitted to Derry and Strabane District Council later this summer.

To submit feedback to the consultation via email, use the following email address at architecture@ostickandwilliams.com