Plans to redevelop the former Thornhill College site in L'Derry into a new retirement complex have taken a key step forward.

A Reserved Matters Planning Application for the project was unanimously approved during a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee.

Under the plans, the site on Culmore Road will have its existing buildings retained to provide a community hub building, community services buildings and a site warden building. The demolition and redevelopment of a number of remaining buildings have also been proposed to provide 57 bed care homes and 53 semi-independent living units within the existing built footprint.

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Further plans include the remodelling of the former school tennis courts to provide residents with an amenity/allotment area while there are plans in place to remodel the former tarmacked hardstanding to provide a formal landscape area. The redevelopment plans also set out how they intend to remodel the site path network and all associated access including parking, drainage and landscape enhancement works.

Elected members attending the meeting were advised by Council Planning officials that the proposal has been considered in respect of the requirements of the Derry Area Plan (DAP 2011), SPPS, PPS 2, 3, 6, 7, 15, 21 and consultation responses and recommended approval subject to a number of restrictions. They were also reminded that the application and site is subject to a Section 76 planning agreement previously approved at outline which restricts the proposal to this specialised use.

Welcoming the decision, Chairperson of the Planning Committee Cllr Philip McKinney said: "This is another major step forward for this important redevelopment site that is located in an area of high scenic value. The proposed redevelopment will not only restore the site to its former glory but it will also help address the growing demand for this type of bespoke accommodation for older persons in our community."