Residents in Derry have outlined their concerns over a housing development consisting of 60 new homes on the outskirts of the city.
Radius Housing Association and Crumley Developments Ltd have submitted their application to the council for the social housing development which will include road works, parking, public open space, landscaping and ancillary works.
Residents in the Oldbridge, Foxhill, Woodside Heights and Victoria Gate areas have been notified of the planning application via a letter sent by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
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According to the applicants, the scheme has been "broadly welcomed" by the majority of stakeholders, citing the need for social housing in the wider Top of the Hill area.
They added: "The proposed housing mix has been developed with Radius Housing Association in order to meet the specific requirements of housing need in the area.
They say the proposed layout has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of Creating Places in terms of boundary setbacks, private amenity space, road layout and parking requirements.
It stated: "A new priority-controlled site access with right hand turning provision will be provided off Woodside Road/Strabane Old Road.
"A total of 138 car parking spaces will be provided for the development. A turning head will be provided to facilitate turning manoeuvres for refuse collection."
The most recent letter, sent last week, asked residents for their views on the planned housing development and whether they would support it.
However, in a Pre-Application Community Consultation held at a local community centre earlier this year, a number of residents outlined their concerns with the scheme.
One said: "1 wish to report my firm objection to the ludicrous proposal to build social housing or any housing in this greenbelt area. I have a number of reasons for my reservations on this proposal.
"Whilst social housing is needed, your suggested figures needing social housing in this area have to be called into scrutiny. There are many areas of brown belt land in the area that would be better suited. I along with many resident associations in the area will welcome your proposals into looking at other more suitable sites."
Another wrote: "The proposed development would not result in a benefit in environmental and landscape terms, to the contrary, it would lead to the loss of valuable green space and wildlife.
"The proposed site currently provides a sanctuary for wildlife and helps preserve the biodiversity of the countryside. Our house is located just below the purposed new development. We strongly object to any such social housing being built in this area."
Meanwhile, concern was also raised about the stretch of road leading into the development. One resident said that there had been 'a number of accidents' already on Woodside Road in recent years.
They added: "There will be an increase in congestion of Strabane Old Road, which already struggles with traffic capacity at present. There has been a number of road traffic collisions on that area of land to date.
"There is insufficient traffic measures which is a danger and adds to noise pollution. Where highway safety is also compromised: traffic generation, road capacity, means of access, visibility, car parking and effects on pedestrians/cyclists."
However, the applicants said that they hoped to extend the 30mph speed limit in place on Strabane Old Road to include the site's frontage.
It's understood the applicant will also provide, if approved, a pedestrian refuge island, dropped kerbs, tactile paving additional street lighting and a footway path.
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