Planning Committee gives go ahead for hundreds of new homes for Derry
19 March 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee has today given approval for the progression of two major housing developments that will deliver almost 750 new homes for the city.
The decisions will significantly boost the supply of high-quality housing in the city, helping to address ongoing pressures in the local housing market.
At a Special Meeting of the Planning Committee, members approved a Reserved Matters application for the construction of 259 affordable homes and a community centre on lands between 42 and 44 Springtown Road and to the west of St. Eithne’s Park, Derrymore.
The development will include a mix of affordable dwellings alongside a new community centre, with works incorporating a new access point onto Springtown Road. Plans also provide for upgrades to Springtown Road and the junction of Hawthorne Drive, including two new right-hand turning lanes, and the creation of associated communal amenity spaces, landscaping, road infrastructure and car parking.
During the meeting the Committee also approved plans for a major mixed-use residential development at lands on the Upper Galliagh Road.
This development will deliver 480 new residential units, comprising 343 two-storey houses (including detached, semi-detached and terraced homes) and 137 apartments in a mix of two and three-storey blocks. The scheme also includes seven retail units with associated service area, two three-storey office blocks, communal open spaces including allotments and a multi-use games area, landscaping and car parking.
Welcoming today’s decisions, Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor John Boyle, said: “I am delighted that Committee members have given their support to these two significant housing developments. Together, they represent a major investment in our city and will go a long way towards addressing the current stress on the supply of good quality social and affordable housing in the Derry area.
“The creation of quality, modern housing, supported by appropriate infrastructure, community facilities and strong public transport links, is a key priority for Council. These developments will not only provide much-needed homes for hundreds of families, but will also help support sustainable, balanced growth across our city.”
The Committee noted that both schemes include important infrastructure improvements, community amenities and open spaces designed to support inclusive, sustainable neighbourhoods.