North-west plan for 3,000 new homes and creation of 250 jobs

The Cashel
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 19th Oct 2020
Last updated 19th Oct 2020

Plans to build more than 3,000 new homes in Londonderry have been drawn up as part of an investment worth £450m.

Developer Braidwater said up to 250 construction jobs and apprenticeships would be created in the process.

It wants to transform a 250-acre site in Derry into an urban village which will be known as The Cashel.

The application is currently at the pre-application consultation stage and will be subject to normal planning approvals.

The site is is located at lands west of Buncrana Road between Whitehouse Road and Benview Estate in Coshquin.

The company wants to incorporate cycle routes into the plan and is aiming to be carbon neutral.

Plans are also in place for extensive tree planting and biodiversity measures as part of the project.

The consultation process for the urban village will begin in the weeks ahead, with detailed plans to be submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council before the end of 2020.

Vincent Bradley, development director of The Braidwater Group, said the plan would be significant for Derry.

He added “We are excited to announce our plans for the largest housing development to be built in Northern Ireland in the last 10 years.

“This will bring a significant economic impact to the North West. The fact that this will represent an extension to our home city of Derry and that it will address an area of high housing demand makes us even more ambitious to deliver it. “

He said it had been an “extremely challenging year” for the construction sector.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Brian Tierney welcoming news of the planned investment for the area said:

“This is excellent news for the city and district and a significant financial investment and commitment by a local company,” he said.

“As a Council, we set out very clearly in our Strategic Growth Plan and our draft Local Development Plan, how we will be proactively encouraging private investment and growth across our region. The Council recognises the need for quality mixed-use housing with supporting community facilities within the district and the need for significant investment to make the Derry City and Strabane District Council area an attractive place to live, work and study.”