Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee approved proposals for almost 750 new homes in Londonderry at a special meeting on Thursday.

The committee granted planning permission for a 480-home development on Upper Galliagh Road, submitted by Apex Housing Association. This site already has 262 homes built and occupied from an earlier phase. The new units include 343 two-storey houses, such as detached, semi-detached and terraced types, plus 137 apartments in two- and three-storey blocks. Plans also cover seven retail units, two three-storey office blocks, allotments, a multi-use games area, landscaping and car parking.

A reserved matters application received approval for 259 affordable homes and a community centre on lands between 42 and 44 Springtown Road and west of St. Eithne’s Park in Derrymore. Features include a new access onto Springtown Road, upgrades to that road and the Hawthorne Drive junction with two right-hand turning lanes, communal spaces, landscaping, road infrastructure and car parking.

SDLP Councillor John Boyle, chair of the planning committee, stated the projects from Apex Housing Association mark a major investment in the city. He noted they supply homes for hundreds of families and aid balanced growth.

Apex Housing Association chief executive Sheena McCallion said the projects show commitment to high-quality homes in sustainable spots. She pointed out that housing poses a big challenge in Northern Ireland, particularly the north west where demand exceeds supply.