Planning committee approve over 150 new homes at former Adria site
17 June 2020
Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee have approved the construction of 158 new homes at the site of the former Adria Factory in Strabane's Ballycolman Estate.
The Planning Committee were meeting in a virtual setting for the first time after the Covid 19 restrictions forced the cancellation of Council committee meetings in March.
The major social housing development was applied for by Habinteg Housing Association and includes a mix of dwellings and apartments of mixed tenure, two retail units, office space, multi-functional space and ancillary accommodation.
The proposed works will include a public and private amenity space, parking and access arrangements from Beechmount Avenue.
Chair of Council's Planning Committee, Councillor Christopher Jackson, welcomed the regeneration of the site after it lay dormant since the factory's closure 14 years ago.
"This application will see the welcome regeneration of the Adria Factory site which ceased operations in 2006," he said.
"The development will bring local employment opportunities during the construction phase and provide much needed social housing for families in Strabane.
"I would like to congratulate Habinteg for their work in bringing the application to this key stage and for their commitment to tackling the shortage of social housing in the town."
Maura Fox, Head of Planning at Derry City and Strabane District Council added:
"This application received significant public support at a public information event in the Melvin Leisure Centre last year.
"The site is highly accessible, situated just 750 metres from bus services in Strabane Town Centre and in close proximity to the A5 which provides connection to Omagh, Derry, Belfast and Dublin.
"The proposal has also considered other transport modes and provides a combined cycleway / footway connecting the existing footpath along Beechmount Avenue.
"The application also includes works space units and retail which provide an opportunity to deliver small scale local employment when the construction phase is completed."
Wednesday's meeting was hosted virtually through Cisco and broadcast live to the public on Council's YouTube channel.
A new Addendum to the protocol for the committee to allow Virtual Planning Committees was ratified by Full Council on May 28th.
Anyone looking for planning information on application forms, planning fees and planning applications are encouraged to visit the planning portal: www.planningni.gov.uk/public-access-info or contact the service directly by e mailing planning@derrystrabane.com or calling 028 71 253253.