APPROVAL FOR HOUSING ON FORMER SCHOOL SITE

A FORMER school site in Strabane is set to be transformed into a housing development.

BW Social Affordable Housing - part of the Braidwater Group - has acquired planning permission to build almost 80 new homes on the grounds of the former Convent Grammar School on Curlyhill Road.

The school closed in 2005 as part of the amalgamation of three secondary schools to form Holy Cross College with the building subsequently tumbled in 20211.

Since then, the site has been derelict and a magnet for anti-social behaviour, but it is now set to get a new lease of life.

The application for the new development was presented to Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee, and despite some objections, councillors were unanimous in their support for the application.

The plan includes the provision of 78 private affordable and social homes.

These will be a mix of  detached semi-detached, townhouses and apartments.

BW Social Affordable Housing says the development will help address the shortage of social and affordable housing in the Strabane area.

Strabane independent councillor, Paul Gallagher, who proposed the approval of the application, said the open space of the site and the design layout, means the development could be a "jewel in the crown in Strabane."

A second housing development on the grounds of another former school in the town - Our Lady of Mercy High School - is also advancing.

McGettigan Homes Ltd is currently developing the area into 70 homes - 60 houses and ten apartments - with associated private amenity space, landscaping and public open space to include a play park area.

The development is to be known as 'Evish Square'.

Full story on page 4.