100 new jobs a step closer as approval issued for Derry Home Bargains store

A planning application for a new Home Bargains store in the city is expected to be rubber stamped by the local council next week.

The chain is seeking to create 100 new jobs with the opening a new outlet at a vacant unit at the junction of Buncrana Road and Strand Road which previously housed the Budget DIY store.

Planning officers within the council have now approved the plans.

The application will come before a special meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday afternoon when elected members are expected to give their backing to the recommendation to issue approval for the store.

It comes after concerns were raised last month that the 100 new jobs were being put at risk due to a delay in a traffic assessment being carried out on the site of the proposed new store.

The assessment has now been completed, which in turn paved the way for the approval being issued.

Sinn Fein Cllr Mickey Cooper said ‘a lot of hard work’ had gone into ensuring the application could be brought before council.

“This was a complicated process as it was quite a difficult traffic assessment given that the proposed store lies close to the Pennyburn roundabout, which takes in the Strand Road, Buncrana Road and the Culmore Road,” he said.

“Thankfully, between myself, Roads Service and the planners, this assessment is now complete and the application can now be brought before the council.”

The proposal would see alterations to the former ‘Budget’ store and the change of use of the building to allow for the sale of ‘convenience and comparison’ goods.

TJ Morris Ltd, which owns the Home Bargains chain, also wants to demolish the building which was previously occupied by Xtravision on the same site.