Planning application for 76 new homes

Proposed by McGettigan Homes Ltd, the official submission – sited at the former Our Lady of Mercy High School – will seek to deliver a mix of homes including a blend of three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses and a selection of one and two bedroom apartments.

First mooted last autumn, the plans were welcomed by the local community at the time, as the old school site had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour in recent years.

“During our engagement with the local community we were overwhelmed with the support for our proposals to bring new homes to Strabane, which we believe is testament to the continued need for a reduction in housing stress in the area,” Paul McGettigan of McGettigan Homes Ltd said.

“After a number of constructive conversations with the community and Derry City and Strabane District Council, we are delighted to submit these proposals and look forward to seeing it progress at pace through the planning system.”

The new homes will be managed by social housing provider Clanmil Housing Association.

Support

Greg Woods, Design and Delivery manager with Clanmil added, “We are grateful for the support that has been received during consultation for this proposal, and the level of positive feedback demonstrates a need for further commitment to social housing in Strabane. We hope that the provision of high quality social homes for the people of Strabane will make a positive impact on the wider community in future.”

The approved scheme has been designed by RPP Architects and seeks to add much needed rejuvenation to the currently vacant site while remaining sensitive to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Kevin Rainey from RPP Architects, explained, “The project team is pleased to see this proposal for new social homes submitted to the council. In the last six months we have received helpful feedback to allow us to finesse the design further and we hope the updated proposals for this new residential development will help create a place to call home for a number of families in Strabane.”

Following determination of the application, construction is expected to begin in March 2022.