259 affordable homes and community centre at Lands between no.44 and 42 Springtown Road and to the west of St.Eithne's Park Derrymore, Londonderry

The site and surroundings

The 9.89-hectare site comprised former agricultural fields south of Springtown Road, beside Derrymore, St Eithne’s Park and existing housing.

“Site and Surrounding Area The site is made up of a number of former agricultural fields comprising 9.89 hectares in size located to the south of Springtown Road. The site is located outside the development limits of Derry as defined in the Derry Area Plan 2011 however Outline planning consent for residential development, community centre and associated infrastructure works was granted by Planning Committee in November 2022.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission was granted in November 2022, establishing the principle of residential development, a community centre and associated access and infrastructure.

“Description of Proposed Development This application seeks approval of the Reserved Matters to outline planning permission LA11/2019/0329/O granted 17 November 2022. Outline planning permission was granted (Ref: LA11/2019/0329/O) for the following development: Construction of social/affordable residential development and community centre with works to include new access to Springtown Road, upgrades to Springtown Road and junction…”

Officer report

The officers’ assessment

Officers considered the detailed layout, housing mix, open space, landscaping, drainage, access and community facilities acceptable and recommended approval subject to conditions and an agreement.

“A draft Section 76 Planning Agreement has been submitted to the Council as required as part of the outline permission. The planning agreement in respect of sustainable transport mitigation associated with the development. Translink has confirmed that a financial contribution has been agreed with the applicant to support sustainable travel initiatives within the development.”

“Edition 2025 and all other material considerations including the objection received. The detailed design provides an appropriate layout, housing mix and density, incorporates public open space and landscaping, safeguards the on-site watercourse, and includes a comprehensive drainage strategy. No statutory consultee has raised objection, subject to conditions and/or informatives.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Transport, drainage, water, environmental, heritage, health, ecological and public transport consultees raised no objection or were content subject to conditions, mitigation or agreements.

“Consultee Responses Officers have consulted with those listed below and their responses are available to view in full on the planning register. They are considered in more detail later in the relevant sections of the report. In summary: DfI Roads - raises no objection subject to conditions and the completion of a Private Streets Determination. The internal road layout, junction improvements and parking arrangements are considered acceptable.”

“Loughs Agency - no objection subject to condition requiring applicant to agree foul sewer connection with NI Water. Historic Environment Division – no objection subject to conditions requiring a developer- funded programme of archaeological works. Environmental Health - content subject to standard construction and contamination conditions.”

Officer report

A neighbour’s objection

One objection concerned the existing farm-track access, increased congestion and road safety on surrounding roads.

“A erial image of application site 5.Site Constraints Undesignated watercourse within site boundary 6.Ne ighbour Notification Neighbours were notified of the application on 02/05/24 7.R epresentations One objection has been received in respect of the application. This objection raised concerns regarding the current access to the site (single land farm track), increased congestion and road safety on surrounding road network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee allowed speaking rights to two agents and an Apex representative, and one agent spoke in support of approval.

Members’ discussion

Members expressed mutual support for the affordable housing and community centre, including their contribution to addressing the city’s housing crisis.

“The Chair invited Members to comment or to seek clarification if they so wished. Members expressed their mutual support of the major application for the construction of a residential development for affordable housing which included a community centre, and addressed the housing crisis that existed in the City.”

Minutes