Members of the Council's Planning Committee unanimously approved an application for the redevelopment of the former Thornhill College site.
It will provide a proposed retirement development on Co Derry’s Culmore Road.
Members of the Planning Committee were informed that under the application it is proposed the Retirement Development at the former Thornhill College Site, will see the retention of some existing buildings.
These will provide a community hub building, community services buildings and a site warden building.
The plans also include the demolition and redevelopment of a number of remaining buildings to provide a 57-bed care homes and 53 semi-independent living units within the existing built footprint.
Under the plans presented to members of the committee, the applicant set out how the proposal plans to remodel 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.
Cllr Philip McKinney, chairperson of the Planning Committee, welcomed the decision and said the Thornhill site was one of the city’s most historic sites and it would be good to see it returned to working use after being disused since the school relocated in 2003.
He added: “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.“
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