Revised Housing Plan For Former Coleraine School Site Moves Forward

A major new housing proposal for Coleraine has advanced with the submission of a fresh Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the Northern Ireland Planning Portal, signalling a significant expansion from earlier plans for the site.

The latest notice sets out plans for a 157-unit residential development across the former St Joseph’s High School grounds at Beresford Avenue (BT51 1HJ) and Phase 2 of the Earls Gate housing lands at Mountsandel Road.

Of the proposed homes, 92 would be designated for social housing, marking a substantial increase in provision for the area.

The scheme would involve the full demolition of the former St Joseph’s High School buildings. Although the premises were used temporarily by Northern Regional College during the construction of its new Coleraine campus, the buildings are no longer required. They are now earmarked for demolition to make way for the proposed development. In their place, developers propose a mix of housing types, open space, landscaping, and other associated site works.

This follows an earlier proposal restricted to the school lands, which sought approval for demolition and the construction of 91 social housing units along with open space and landscaping. The new plan is significantly broader, extending beyond the school site and incorporating the adjacent Housing Zoning CEH 25.

Local representatives have welcomed the expanded proposal.

Councillor Tanya Elder said the announcement would bring hope to many who have struggled to secure suitable accommodation.

“I am absolutely delighted to see such a substantial and ambitious housing proposal coming forward for this area,” she said. “The demand for housing in Coleraine has been growing year on year, and this development has the potential to make a real, positive difference to local families. The increased level of social housing is especially welcome and will provide vital support for those most in need. This is a very promising step for the town’s future, and I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

Councillor Russell Watton also voiced his support, noting the scale of demand in Coleraine.

“In my own DEA, there are currently more than 1,600 people on housing waiting lists,” he said. “That is an alarming figure and a stark reminder of the pressure so many local families and individuals are under as they try to secure a home. Against that backdrop, I welcome this proposal and the increased number of units being brought forward, particularly the social housing element. While no single development will solve the problem on its own, this is a positive and necessary step in the right direction.”

As part of the pre-application process, a public consultation event will be held to give residents an opportunity to view the plans and provide feedback. A community drop-in session is scheduled for 15 December 2025, from 5pm to 8pm, at The Lodge Hotel, Lodge Road Roundabout, Coleraine, BT52 1NF.

The consultation will also be formally advertised in the Coleraine Chronicle on Tuesday 2 December 2025, in the edition dated Thursday 4 December 2025.

A community consultation website is to go live on 16th December 2025.