Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced his intention to review planning policy for flood risk.
The existing policy is contained in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 15 – Planning and Flood Risk, published in June 2006. It sets out the Department of Environment’s planning policies to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment.
The Minister said:
“The existing policy has proven to be very effective in managing the risk of flooding to new developments. However, our understanding of climate change is evolving as new evidence and experience of implementing flood risk policy is gained. That is why I am honouring the commitment to review the policy within five years of its publication. In light of flooding events over the past few years I want to ensure that our planning policies remain fit for purpose and the planning system plays its part in dealing with this important issue.
"In undertaking this review I am keen to seek the views of the public regarding the existing policy to assist in the identification of issues that may need to be addressed in the review. I am therefore inviting comments to be submitted to the Department of Environment by the end of September."
PPS 15 can be accessed at the Planning Service website.
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