News

Plans submitted for 76 high quality social homes in Strabane

McGettigan Homes Ltd has submitted a major planning application to Derry City and Strabane District Council for its proposals to develop a new social housing development on the Evish Road in Strabane. Turley provided Planning and Strategic Communications services for the project.

Following an interactive consultation process in 2020 and pre-application discussions with Derry City & Strabane District Council, McGettigan Homes Ltd is now submitting proposals to build 76 new homes on the former Our Lady of Mercy High School site. The development will seek to deliver a mix of homes including a blend of three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses and a selection of one and two bedroom apartments.

The new homes will be managed by social housing provider Clanmil Housing Association and will seek to address high levels of demand for additional high quality social housing in the Strabane area.

Located north of Evish Road, the proposals intend to return this vacant brownfield site to a positive use which should also assist in alleviating anti-social behaviour which has disrupted the site for a number of years.

Paul McGettigan of McGettigan Homes Ltd commented:

“During our engagement with the local community we were overwhelmed with the support for our proposals to bring new homes to Strabane, which we believe is testament to the continued need for a reduction in housing stress in the area. After a number of constructive conversations with the community and Derry City and Strabane District Council, we are delighted to submit these proposals and look forward to seeing it progress at pace through the planning system.”

Greg Woods, Design & Delivery Manager at Clanmil Housing Association commented:

“We are grateful for the support that has been received during consultation for this proposal, and the level of positive feedback demonstrates a need for further commitment to social housing in Strabane. We hope that the provision of high quality social homes for the people of Strabane will make a positive impact on the wider community in future.”

The approved scheme has been designed by RPP Architects and seeks to add much needed rejuvenation to the currently vacant site while remaining sensitive to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Kevin Rainey from RPP Architects, commented: “The project team is pleased to see this proposal for new social homes submitted to the Council. In the last six months we have received helpful feedback to allow us to finesse the design further and we hope the updated proposals for this new residential development will help create a place to call home for a number of families in Strabane.”

Director, Sam McKee commented: “We are thrilled to have supported McGettigan Homes in submitting this planning application for a new social housing development on the Evish Road in Strabane. We hope this community-focused development will pave the way for more high quality social housing across Strabane, easing housing stress across the local area and regenerating this important site.”

Following determination of the application, construction is expected to begin in March 2022.

8 July 2021