New legislation has been drafted to protect the character of established residential areas in Northern Ireland.

Launching consultation for the proposed planning policy, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the law would help the manage the redevelopment of existing properties.

The policies will also provide guidance on proposals for the infilling of vacant sites, and proposals for the conversion or sub-division of existing buildings to flats or apartments.

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Mr Poots said the policies would ensure the character of established residential areas is not unduly impacted upon by future residential development proposals.

"These draft policies retain sufficient flexibility to allow for higher density housing schemes through imaginative and innovative design, which can deliver significant benefits, while continuing to ensure that new residential schemes are sensitive in design terms to people living in existing neighbourhoods, and are in harmony with the local character of established residential areas," he said.

"In order to help reduce flash flooding in urban areas I am also issuing a draft planning policy to encourage greater use of permeable paving within new residential developments."

(PR/BMcC)