Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee approved a development of 281 student accommodation units on Strand Road in Londonderry. The site lies near Ulster University's campus, which enrols 6,500 students and aims for 10,000 by 2032.

The approval covers units plus a landscaped courtyard and roof terrace at lands from 128-136 Strand Road. The university acquired several city plots in February 2023 to aid expansion.

Planning committee chair John Boyle called the project a milestone for the city's role as a university location. He stated that high-quality housing supports campus growth and provides modern accommodation close to campus.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald affirmed commitment to the expansion as a priority. She stated no student fee rises beyond inflation rates would occur.

Ian Snowden, a Department for the Economy official, noted that expanding the Derry and Coleraine campuses requires an extra £40m yearly.

A taskforce formed in 2024 to advance Derry campus plans.

The committee approved this on Wednesday.