PLANNERS have given the green light to a multi-million pound housing development on the outskirts of Enniskillen, at Irvinestown Road.
Although the start date is not known, site development work is ongoing, and has been this past few weeks, including the construction of an extra ‘turning’ lane.
The 193-dwelling scheme has been welcomed by local estate agents. It provides for a ‘mix’ of house types, including 11 2-storey detached, 50 semi-detached (1.5 and 2 storey) 64 townhouses (2 and 2.5 storey) and 68 apartments (2,3 and 4 storey blocks).
The developer, Parma Developments Ltd based in Dundalk, submitted an application for planning permission in July, 2007 and secured planning approval in July, 2009.
We contacted the company’s offices to find out the start date, and other queries, but, at the time of writing, we were unable to make contact with the firm’s agent.
However, preparatory work is ongoing at lands north of Cherrymount Road/Irvinestown Road, Drumclay, and to the roadway itself.
Local estate agent, Terry Finlay, a senior partner with Montgomery Finlay & Co, Enniskillen, told the Herald that it was easily the biggest housing development since the collapse of the housing market in mid-2007.
“It’s big numbers’. Since July, 2007, there hasn’t really been any real development of any shape or size in the county.”
However, he was optimistic for the future.
“We’re certainly seeing the budding shoots. Everybody is convinced the market is bottoming out. There seems to be a marked increase in the volume of business.
“Certainly, prices are still very tight, but if we get through the next six months, the sheer volume of business and the sheer lack of property coming on to the market will kick in.”
Mr Finlay suggested that, if there was an influx of ‘new build’, it would be an advantageous time to come in on that.
As for current prices, Mr Finlay reported that semi -detached houses were selling from £120,000 to £125,000, and townhouses at around £110,000, depending on size and specification.
As to the location of the proposed development, he did not believe the new hospital was a factor.
“Most of the activities in towns for one reason or another are centred around the county town. There is a better chance of a major developer succeeding, provided they release them at a reasonable rate.
“But, you would not want to be building them overnight. This, I believe, will be a phased project.”
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