Plans to build a new £20m social housing development in Strabane have been given the green light by Derry City and Strabane District Council
Proposed by Habinteg Housing Association, the £20m social housing development will comprise 158 homes as well as community facilities, small business units, public open space, and a children’s Play Park.
The plans, which were granted permission at the council’s virtual planning committee meeting in June, will bring the long-term vacant brownfield site at Beechmount Avenue back into use.
The majority of homes within the scheme will be committed to social housing and seek to address the growing and unmet need for social housing in Strabane Town.
Designed by RPP Architects, this new provision of homes will offer a mix of accommodation including general needs, CAT1 elderly as well as wheel-chair accessible housing and complex needs accommodation.
Much-needed social housing
Darren McKinney, chief executive of Habinteg Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to see Derry City and Strabane District Council approve and support our proposals to create an excellent living environment for prospective residents and deliver much-needed social housing for Strabane.
“There has been a lack of new social housing in Strabane in the past ten years and we welcome the opportunity to help reduce housing stress with this high quality and vibrant residential-led development.”
Following the approval from the planning committee, Habinteg Housing Association will examine the most appropriate timeframes for the delivery of the development in the coming weeks.
Sam McKee from the project’s planning consultancy, Turley, commented: “We are thrilled to have supported Habinteg Housing Association in achieving planning permission for this exciting housing development in Strabane.
“We hope this major residential-led development will contribute to reducing the stress on housing waiting lists and provide future residents with comfortable and modern homes.”
Peter McGirr, RPP Architects, added: “The welcome approval of this new residential development will significantly progress Strabane’s capacity to meet demand for social housing.
“We have designed the new homes and surrounding amenities to create a high quality living environment for prospective residents and enhance the streetscape of this area of Strabane Town.
“We look forward to beginning the development of this exciting new development.”
