New Derry retirement village approved despite 40 objections

Plans for a new retirement village in Derry have been approved despite over 40 objections being lodged against the proposal.

The new development will be located at lands between 126 Racecourse Road and The Manse, Racecourse Road (pictured above), and comprise of 16 semi-detached bungalows.

The issue was discussed at this afternoon’s meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee, where a planning officer told the meeting that the new development was for ‘retirement use’ and planners were of the opinion to approve the application.

He added that at total of 41 objections had been lodged against the plans, 37 of which were identical, with the bulk of the objections related to concerns over the impact the new homes would have on the ‘character’ of the area, and concerns surrounding the ‘over-development’ of the area.

The SDLP’s John Boyle described the issue as ‘complicated’ and said that it would have been ‘helpful’ for councillors to have ‘more information’ before making any decision.

He then requested councillors be allowed a site visit of the area before making a decision.

However, the request was refused as site visits must be applied for two days before the committee meeting.

Sinn Fein’s Tony Hassan said that council should give their backing to the approval, due to the fact that bungalows were needed in the city.

“If 16 bungalows are built, they’ll be allocated tomorrow morning,” he said.

The approval was issued after councillors voted in favour of it.

Cllr Boyle abstained from the vote.