Deadline approaches for LDP ‘Call for Sites’
There are just over four weeks left for landowners, developers, business operators and community groups to put forward land they believe should be earmarked for future use in the Derry City and Strabane District. The council has reminded stakeholders that its Call for Sites will close on Friday 31 July, a key milestone in shaping the Local Development Plan (LDP) 2032.
This 14‑week exercise, launched on 27 April, feeds into the Local Policies Plan (LPP) — the second and final stage of the LDP — and will help determine which locations across the district’s 47 settlements might be taken forward as formal zonings. The focus is on land that could realistically be brought forward for development over the next five to ten years.
What the council is seeking
The council is inviting proposals for a range of uses that would support sustainable growth and regeneration. Submissions are being sought for:
- Housing sites to help meet future need.
- Economic development and employment land to support jobs and local enterprise.
- Development opportunity sites within city and town centres to aid revitalisation.
All sites submitted will be weighed against key considerations including sustainability, suitability, deliverability and their fit with the already adopted LDP Plan Strategy. Only those that meet these tests may be examined further for inclusion as proposed zonings in the draft LPP.
Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Pat Murphy, said: “We have already received a positive response since launching this initiative in April, but we want to ensure that no one misses out on this crucial opportunity to help shape the future layout of our city, towns, and rural settlements. If you are a landowner, developer, or community representative with an interest in land that is sustainably located and ready for development within the next decade, please make your submission before July 31. Your input is essential to helping us build a balanced, sustainable, and prosperous district.”
Key dates and how to submit
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch | 27 April |
| Consultation window | 14 weeks |
| Closing date | Friday 31 July |
Guidance notes, explanatory overviews and the response forms are available online at www.derrystrabane.com/ldp. Submissions can be completed and lodged directly through the website, or respondents can download a form to complete manually. Hard copy forms and documents are also available.
Why this matters locally
What goes forward at this stage will help frame the map of where homes are built, where businesses can set up and expand, and how town and city centres evolve over the coming decade. In practical terms, it influences:
- How much and where new housing can be delivered to meet need across urban and rural areas.
- Availability of employment land to support job creation and local supply chains.
- Opportunities for regeneration and mixed-use development in the heart of communities.
The council’s planning team will assess sites side by side to ensure proposals are in sustainable locations, can be serviced, and align with the strategic direction already agreed in the LDP’s Plan Strategy. That means matters such as access, environmental impact, infrastructure capacity and town centre health will all come into play before any site is considered for zoning.
What to do now
Those considering a submission should ensure the land in question is clearly identified, that intended uses are set out, and that they can demonstrate how the site could be delivered within the stated 5–10 year time horizon. Early engagement with partners — from utility providers to community organisations — can also help demonstrate deliverability and local benefit.
With the deadline looming, the council’s message is straightforward: if you have a piece of land within or adjoining one of the district’s 47 settlements that could help meet housing, jobs or regeneration needs, now is the time to put it forward. Submitting through the official portal will ensure it is considered alongside all other proposals as officers prepare the draft Local Policies Plan.
