'We reject this decision and will take direct action to ensure that it will not be implemented': Residents hit out at approval for flats complex

A residents group in Derry has said it will take ‘direct action’ to prevent the construction of a new apartment complex for elderly people which was approved despite their objections.

Earlier this month, Derry City and Strabane Council approved the new complex, which will comprise of 12 three-storey apartments for the elderly at an existing vacant site (pictured) at the corner of Marlborough Street and Beechwood Avenue.

The plans were put forward by Clanmil Developments Ltd.

The residents objected on a number of grounds; the size and scale of the development, traffic issues, including parking and increase of traffic on the Marlborough Street and Beechwood Avenue roads and significant loss of light and a view.

They also cited flooding and subsidence issues and claimed they had raised issues with Clanmil Developments Ltd at public meetings that were not addressed in the drawings submitted and claimed the new build was not in keeping with the current density of housing.

However, councillors voted to approve the plans at the November meeting of its Planning Committee, after elected members heard representations from those opposed to the development.

Marlborough Street Residents Association, who expressed ‘surprise and disappointed’ at the decision taken by councillors.

“We are surprised and disappointed that our councillors have chosen to support this proposal from a Belfast based for profit organisation rather than support the call made by our representative, Peter Deans, at the recent planning meeting in Strabane that we would engage with all sides to arrive at a mutually agreed way forward,” the Association said.

“Not only has the council unanimously agreed to this proposal but in so doing has set aside the standard required for car parking in a development of this size.

“Whilst the standard required anywhere else is 17 our councillors think that five is enough for here.”

“We have tried to be as reasonable as possible in this whole sad affair and will strive to continue to be so.

“It is difficult to understand how our offer of continued negotiation was ignored by our councillors and by representatives of a housing association.”

The spokesperson added: “We will not accept this high handed approach to a proposal which could have an enormous impact on the area where we live.

“We reject this decision and will take direct action to ensure that it will not be implemented.”