Planning Approval Granted for 674 Londonderry Homes, Developer Pledges Roundabout Upgrades

A proposal for the construction of over 670 new residences in the Waterside area of Londonderry has received approval, with the developer committing to enhance a major roundabout in the city. South Bank Square Ltd, the developer, had previously secured outline planning permission in 2019 for development at Ballyoan, situated on land adjacent to the Caw roundabout. The planning committee of Derry City and Strabane District Council formally endorsed a comprehensive planning application for 674 dwellings on Wednesday. Martin Mallon of South Bank Square stated that the planning approval “marks a significant milestone”. This project, undertaken in collaboration with Choice Housing, has already resulted in the construction of approximately 90 homes at the Clooney Road location. Jon Anderson from Choice Housing commented that the planning approval “means that housing stress will be lifted from many families in the area in the coming years.” Developers indicated that the initiative is projected for completion within the next decade and constitutes a £100 million investment. Councillors were informed during Wednesday’s session that improvements would be implemented at both the adjacent Caw and Gransha roundabouts. The developer informed the planning committee that work at the Gransha roundabout might commence “imminently,” while discussions are continuing with the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) regarding the start date for the Caw upgrade. Developers provided assurances to councillors that occupancy of no more than 48 residences would occur prior to the completion of the Caw roundabout upgrade. The Caw roundabout stands as one of Derry’s most heavily trafficked intersections, managing vehicular flow from four principal roads, notably the Clooney Road—the primary thoroughfare into the city from Limavady—Crescent Link, and the Foyle bridge. Demands for the roundabout’s enhancement, incorporating traffic lights and slip lanes, have been persistent over time. Last month, Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, responding to an inquiry from Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson, stated that the Caw roundabout upgrade was “the responsibility of the developer.” He further mentioned that DfI officials had convened with the developer to deliberate on their proposed improvements. The minister elaborated: “My department’s focus is to ensure that the proposals are safe, that they mitigate the effect of the increased traffic caused by the new development, that they do not prejudice other adjacent road users and that progress continues towards delivery in a timely manner.” During Wednesday’s meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Sean Fleming expressed approval for the plans, highlighting a crucial demand for housing within Derry’s Waterside district. He asserted that the roundabout upgrades “are a critical part of this development”. He added, “The developers have given assurances that they understand the need for these upgrades… I will urge them to make any and all efforts to advance those works in a timely manner.” DUP councillor Niree McMorris also endorsed the project, characterizing the roundabout improvements as “critical work”. She remarked, “It (traffic) is mad now without putting this large development into the mix.” Fergal Leonard, the chair of the planning committee, stated: “The addition of 674 new homes is a very welcome development for the city and will help to meet the growing demand for accommodation.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.