Planning permission has been granted for one of the most significant developments of Derry’s Ballymagroarty neighbourhood in over four decades.
The news comes after the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, confirmed that the ‘holding direction' issued by the department in July, which prevented the local council from granting planning permission, is no longer in place.
The decision means that the applicant, The Braidwater Group, can now build 170 social homes in the cityside community, with several units being wheelchair accessible.
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Alongside the building of a sizeable residential area, the expansion will also comprise a large open space with a play park, a 5km walking loop dotted with trim trails, outdoor exercise equipment, picnic areas, and wildlife meadows.
The new development will be located on lands north of Aileach Road, Ennis Place, John Field Place, Rafferty Close, MacNeice Close and Magill Court.
Residents in the area have previously voiced their overwhelming support for the plans following an extensive public consultation process which included an information session.
Work on the project is set to be carried out by developers BW Homes and Construction and the EHA Group in the coming months.
Vincent Bradley, Development Director with the Braidwater Group, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the news from the Department of Infrastructure that this much-needed development in an under-served area of the city can finally take place.
"The demand for housing is as high as ever and this project aims to address this issue, particularly in the west bank of the city.
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