Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee approved plans for a new play park in Coshquin and a 27-apartment development in Strabane town centre during its monthly meeting at the Guildhall.

The Coshquin play park will sit next to Little Acorns Pre-School on Benview Road, across from Cosh Bar and Grill. It renews a prior approval and awaits funding. Features include play equipment, safety surfacing, fencing, gates, seating, bins, cycle stands, footpaths, tree and shrub planting, grassed areas, and signage. Level pathways support access for all abilities.

Councillor John Boyle, Planning Committee chair, stated the play park marks a key investment for Coshquin families and delivers a safe space for children that bolsters community wellbeing.

No objections arose in the Coshquin consultation, with no major environmental or traffic effects noted. Sustainable drainage and landscaping form part of the design.

In Strabane, the committee unanimously backed demolishing four derelict dwellings at 104-110 Main Street to build four one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments. The site borders the Mourne River and includes a courtyard, cycle storage, and links to river walk, parking, and town services.

Some Strabane units qualify as affordable housing. The project uses brownfield land in line with local plans.

Councillor John Boyle said the Strabane approval redevelops a vacant site into accessible homes, addresses housing needs, and aids town centre vitality. No objections occurred, and consultees reported no issues with conditions.