The view of Derry and the River Foyle from Dunfield Terrace.
Planners have refused to defer the go-ahead for the controversial development of 20 new houses at one of Derry’s best known viewing points.
Despite a major campaign by local residents, planners have granted permission for the properties to be built opposite Dunfield Terrace in an area of the Waterside known locally as the “Quarry Steps.”
At this afternoon’s meeting of Derry City Council’s planning committee, SDLP Cllr Gerard Diver called for the matter to be deferred given the significance of the site and the large amount of objections to the development.
However, planner Sharon Mulhern said there was no reason for the development to be deferred for a second time.
The new housing development, which will consist of 18 terraced houses and two semi-detached properties, will be built by local firm Foyleview Builders.
Local residents are furious at the Planning Service’s decision. A total of 282 letters objecting to the new housing plans had been lodged with the Planning Service by people living in the area.
In 2009, a previous planning application to build 22 houses on the site was turned down by planners.
Ms Mulhern pointed out in two Road Service reports could find no fault with the development.
As a result, she said: “The Department has no reason to query the decision of Roads Service.”
She added: “The Department sees no reason why the application should be deferred for a second time.”
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