News

Planning approval secured for more than 700 new social homes in Derry

Turley has secured approval for two major residential developments in Derry~Londonderry, delivering more than 700 new social homes alongside community and neighbourhood facilities to be delivered by Apex Housing Association.

We provided expert Planning and Strategic Communications services for the two developments, located at Springtown Road and Upper Galliagh Road, which were approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council Planning Committee and represent one of the most significant housing investments in the city in recent years.

They will see the delivery of 739 new homes across both developments, including a mix of houses and apartments designed to create sustainable neighbourhoods with high-quality public spaces and local facilities.

The Springtown Road development, being brought forward in partnership with Kevin Watson Properties Ltd, will provide 259 affordable homes alongside a new community centre and public open space with an equipped children’s play area.

Meanwhile, the Upper Galliagh development will deliver 480 homes, complemented by a local neighbourhood centre including retail units, office space, community facilities, public open space with an equipped children’s play area, allotments and a multi-use games area (MUGA).

Together, the developments represent a significant contribution towards addressing the critical shortage of affordable homes across the North West, while creating vibrant, sustainable communities with access to services, employment and public transport.

Both developments have a strong emphasis on sustainable design and place-making, including extensive tree planting, landscaping green infrastructure, walkable street networks and accessible public spaces designed to promote health and wellbeing.

Together the developments mark an important milestone in Apex Housing Association’s ongoing programme of delivering high-quality homes for communities across Northern Ireland. These developments will make a significant contribution to the 1,750 homes targeted for delivery in the NIHE Social Housing Development Programme for 2025/2026.

Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex, said:

“Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across Northern Ireland, and particularly in the North West where demand continues to outpace supply. These developments demonstrate Apex’s commitment to working in partnership with local councils, statutory bodies and communities to deliver high-quality homes in sustainable locations, helping to meet the social and affordable housing targets set out in the Programme for Government 2024–27 and the Housing Supply Strategy 2024–39. By combining new homes with green space, community facilities and neighbourhood services, we are helping to create places where people can put down roots, raise families and build strong communities for the future."

Philip Stinson, Director, commented:

"Securing approval for these two major residential developments at Springtown Road and Upper Galliagh is a significant step forward in meeting the need for high-quality, affordable homes. Both schemes have been carefully designed to create sustainable, well-connected neighbourhoods supported by new community facilities, high-quality public spaces and local services."

Sam McKee, Director, added:

"We are proud to have supported Apex Housing Association in bringing forward two developments that will deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for the area. These developments represent a major investment in the future of the North-West, creating inclusive communities with access to services and green spaces."

The developments have been carefully designed to integrate with existing neighbourhoods while enhancing connectivity, access to amenities and opportunities for active travel.

The development at Upper Galliagh forms part of a wider masterplan for a residential-led mixed-use neighbourhood with the first phase of 262 homes already occupied. The approved development, alongside future phases, will deliver a total of 700 additional new homes in this part of the city. 

The Springtown Road developments includes a new community facility and is supported by extensive areas of open space helping to create a strong focal point for residents and important social infrastructure for the area.

Barry Kerr, Apex’s Executive Director of Development, added:

“These planning approvals represent a hugely important step in delivering much-needed social homes for people in housing need across the North West.

The demand for high-quality, affordable housing across the region remains extremely high, and these developments will make a meaningful contribution to addressing that need while supporting the continued growth of the city and its surrounding communities.”

Construction of the developments will support local employment and supply chains while delivering long-term investment in housing and community infrastructure across the North West.

The approvals represent a significant milestone in Apex Housing Association’s ongoing programme of investment to deliver new homes and sustainable communities across Northern Ireland.

20 March 2026

Images courtesy of RMI Architects, Belfast