Plans submitted for new housing development in Strabane

PLANS for a new housing development in Strabane have been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The plans for 11 detached houses with garages and “associated site work” at 32 Derry Road were recently submitted to the council’s planning portal.

A supporting planning statement by agents Lee Kennedy Planning said the development will “accommodate strong market demand for this size and form of housing in the locality”.

The statement added: “It is a large plot measuring approximately 1.2 hectares on the western side of the Derry Road, adjacent to and south of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and opposite Strabane Primary School.

“The site can be defined as previously-developed land with evidence that the site was previously occupied by permanent structures within a defined settlement limit of Strabane town.

“Each dwelling will provide rear patios with significant private amenity areas with a detached garage and in-curtilage parking to accommodate a minimum of two vehicles.

“32 Derry Road previously housed a large, detached two-story dwelling, which had fallen into a state of disrepair and was subjected to incidents of anti-social activity.

“It has been demolished by the applicant due to fears of health and safety as, whilst this dwelling was of considerable age and constructed between 1880 and 1899, it was not classified as a listed building and removed before someone was severely injured."

The statement adds: "Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church is situated immediately adjacent to the application site on the western side of Derry Road and adds significantly to the character and setting of this locality.

“It is Grade B1 Listed and was constructed between 1920 and 1939.

"The development of the application site is retaining much of all boundary vegetation in this direction to retain the character of the area.

“Although the church is situated on a plot next to the application site, it is separated by the presence of the church car park as well as mature boundary vegetation.

“The retention of existing vegetation on this boundary prevents public views of the site from the west, so the proposal will have no impact on the architectural merit or setting of the church.”

The application will be presented to members at a future Planning Committee meeting