Mixed-use regeneration scheme at Lands to the East of Meenan Drive, Londonderry

What was proposed

The application proposed redeveloping a cleared site with community, commercial and retail uses, open space, parking, servicing and upgraded public footpaths.

“Description of Proposed Development The application is for the proposed redevelopment of cleared and vacant site to provide a mixed- use regeneration scheme comprising community, commercial and retail uses with landscaped open space/‘square’ and amenity areas and associated car parking and service area with controlled access/egress via Westland Street and Meenan Square and alterations / upgrade of surrounding public footpaths, landscaping and parking spaces.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was formerly occupied by local shops, services and community uses, but its buildings had been demolished, leaving a concrete base in a mainly residential area.

“Site and Surrounding Area The site formally comprised of a mixture of commercial and community uses providing local services including a grocery shop, butcher, hot food takeaway, public bar, bookmakers, funeral directors, flower shop and community support uses. The buildings have been demolished and all that remains is a concrete base. The area is predominately housing with a mix of apartments and dwellings.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Earlier applications covered a mixed-use regeneration scheme, retail units with apartments and eight social housing units, all described as under consideration or proposed.

“Relevant Planning H istory LA11/2025/0094/F - The proposed redevelopment of lands for the erection of building to provide 2 No. ground floor retail units with 12 No. apartments above (9 No. 3 person 2- bedroom apartments & 3 No. 2 person 1-bedroom apartments), currently under consideration.”

“Appendix 2 LA11/2025/0074/F - Development of 8 No. social housing units (comprising 4 No. semi-detached units, 3 No. terrace units and 1 No. detached unit), alterations to public roads / footpaths, construction of in-curtilage / communal car parking, relocation of existing electricity substation, ancillary landscaping works and all associated site works. currently under consideration.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, subject to conditions and agreements covering drainage, wastewater, roads, contamination, archaeology and other technical matters.

“Consultee Responses • NI Water confirm that the agent has been in discussions to agree a solution on the wastewater issue, NI Water have also advised that they are content to recommend approval of this proposal subject to a condition re surface water and an article 161 agreement re the sewage disposal. • Environmental Health are content subject to standard conditions. • DFI Roads have no objections subject to PSD conditions.”

“Appendix 2 • NIEA Natural Environment Division have no concerns. • Loughs Agency are content are content with the mitigation measures proposed within the outline Construction Environmental Management Plan. • NIE has no objection and advised that there is an existing distribution substation in the development area. • City of Derry airport is content.”

Officer report

Public representations

No objections or representations had been received, while three letters of support were included in the planning statement.

“Representations No objections or representations received to date. Three letters of support were included within the Planning statement submitted by the agent.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee allowed the agents and a representative of the housing association to speak in support of approval.

Members’ views

Members welcomed the application and proposed supporting approval subject to the stated conditions.

“Councillor Logue Proposed, Seconded by Councillor L Barr to support the recommendation to approve planning permission, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Resolved to support the recommendation to approve application LA11/2025/0070/F, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.”

Minutes