Poots to review planning policy for flood risk

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced his intention to review planning policy for flood risk.

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."

Notes to editors:

1. Planning Policy Statements set out DOE policies on particular aspects of land use planning and other planning matters and apply to the whole of Northern Ireland. Their contents are taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and appeals.
2. DOE’s existing policy on Planning and Flood Risk is contained in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 15 published in June 2006. It sets out planning policies to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment.
3. PPS 15 contained a commitment to review the policy within five years of publication.
4. PPS 15 can be accessed at the Planning Service website
5. The Department of Environment, in reviewing the existing policy, will asses the need for publishing a new planning policy on flood risk or an addendum to the existing policy.
6. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.