Planning approved for major new housing development

MEMBERS of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee have today approved a major new housing development in the Evish Road area of Strabane that will see the construction of 145 new homes.

The extensive project by Curlyhill Developments will include a convenience store, a link road to the site from Evish Road and provision of open space for a play park and kick about area.

The application incorporates 30 existing semi-detached dwellings and eight detached homes.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Christopher Jackson, welcomed the approval.
“I am delighted that this extensive application has been given full approval and would like to congratulate the applicant and Council’s Planning department for bringing the detailed application to this key stage,” he said.

“The development will help relieve housing stress in Strabane and offer modern and high spec housing for local people.

“The estate will offer a good mix of 34 detached and 148 semi-detached dwellings and one apartment in total which will appeal to a wide variety of home owners and I welcome that it will include a convenience store to service new and existing homes in the area.”

Head of Planning at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Maura Fox, said the homes would be a welcome addition to the housing provision available in the District.

“This significant development will alleviate some of the pressure for housing provision in Strabane, offering high quality housing for buyers seeking to locate in the Evish Road area and also provide for much needed play facilities which are lacking in the wider area,” she said.

“The large site is approximately 8.24 hectors in size and is located on land zoned for housing in the Strabane Area Plan 2001.

“The approval is in keeping with our commitment in the Local Development Plan to improve the quality of new developments and increase the availability of housing across the City and District.”

The site is approximately 30 metres east of Mount Carmel Heights, Bracken Gate and Altiskane Heights in Strabane.

It comprises two parcels of land separated by Curlyhill Road and the majority of the site is located adjacent to the existing housing development known as Mount Carmel Heights.

The main vehicular access to the site will be via a new link road from Evish Road which forms part of the application and this will also provide for a bus service operated by Translink.

The site will also be accessed via two existing connections which lead to Mount Carmel Heights improving overall connectivity.

All planning application forms, drawings, letters etc. relating to this planning application are available to view on www.planningni.gov.uk.