Council greenlights 739 new Derry homes

Plans for new housing developments in the Skeoge / Upper Galliagh and Hazelbank areas of the city have been given the green light by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee.

The Committee met on Thursday (March 19, 2026) and approved the developments which between them will comprise 739 mixed residential units.

The first development (LA11/2024/0545/RM) in Skeoge / Upper Galliagh is planned for lands between Upper Galliagh Road, south of Beragh Hill Road, west of Beraghvale and north of Skeoge Link Road (A515) Derry.

The Apex Housing Association proposal will contain 480 residential units. It will consist of 343 two-storey dwellings - two detached dwellings; 315 semi-detached dwellings; and 26 terrace dwellings - and 137 apartments in a mixture of two and three-storey blocks.

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There will also be seven retail units and an associated service area in a single block; two 3-storey office blocks; communal open spaces, including allotments, multi-use games area, landscaping, car parking, boundary treatments, associated site works and minor amendments to the spine road previously approved under LA11/2018/0372/RM.

According to the planning application documentation, the development will be made up of “a range of dwelling types to suit differing family needs including those with disabilities and impaired mobility”. 

In addition, a site will be reserved for a primary school. 

The development will also include what are described as “permeable transport routes, including walking, cycling, public transport and car” and a “local centre comprising shops; local services; public transport connection facility; flexible building space available for community use, small scale office uses and childcare facilities; open space, both public and private, with landscaped links and corridors to integrate the development into its surroundings both natural and built”.

The application was proposed by Cllr Pat Murphy (Sinn Féin) and seconded by Cllr Christopher Jackson (Sinn Féin) and passed unanimously by the Planning Committee.

In terms of a timeline for delivery, the Skeoge development will start with Phase One which would include 120 homes immediately. 

The entire development will be broken into year-on-year starting an additional phase each time, to manage risk from a construction perspective and manage the risk of delivery.

The second development (LA11/2024/0301/RM) in Hazelbank is planned for lands between numbers 44 and 42 Springtown Road, to the west of St Eithne’s Park, Derrymore in Derry. 

Hazelbank development planned for lands between numbers 44 and 42 Springtown Road, to the west of St Eithne’s Park, Derrymore in Derry. 

The proposal submitted by Kevin Watson Properties Limited and Apex Housing Association is for the “construction of residential development comprising of 259 affordable units and community centre, with works to include new access to Springtown Road; upgrades to Springtown Road and junction of Hawthorne Drive to include two right-hand turning lanes; part culverting of existing watercourse; demolition of existing building; development of associated communal amenity spaces; and landscaping and associated site works”.

This development will provide a varied mix of dwelling types including apartments and houses including, 28 one-bedroom apartments; 143 two-bedroom units; 86 three-bedroom units; and two four-bedroom units.

According to the developer, this mix will provide accommodation suitable for single people, couples, small families and larger households. 

“The inclusion of one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom dwellings supports smaller household demand, while the provision of three and four-bedroom units accommodates family housing needs. 

“The mix has been informed by identified social housing needs (supported by the Housing Executive) which reflects the requirement for affordable housing within the area. 

“The scheme incorporates a variety of house types and layouts throughout the development. 

“The inclusion of both apartments and houses ensures that the scheme provides a range of house types and variety to support a sustainable community and meet housing needs.”

The applicant has also agreed a financial contribution with Translink for sustainable travel measures which will be secured through a Section 76 Agreement prior to the issue of the decision notice.

The application was proposed by Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr (SDLP)  and seconded by Cllr Conor Heaney (Sinn Féin) and passed unanimously by the Planning Committee.

It is envisaged the contract for this Hazelbank development will now be signed before March 31, 2026 and the development will commence immediately. It is anticipated the first handovers will take place in the autumn of 2027 and the scheme will be completed by June 2029.