Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, has proposed new initiatives to reduce the risk of future flooding.

The Minister also proposed in the Revised Draft Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk', improvements to manage and recover from flooding events which occur.

Included in the policy is a proposal to address safety in reservoirs. This will require developers to provide assurances about reservoir safety before planning permission is granted for any new development close to reservoirs.

Other key proposals are that developers will now have to submit a flood risk assessment within identified flood risk areas and demonstrate how these risks can be managed through, for example, building flood proofed buildings.

Within areas protected by flood defences but still at risk from flooding, under the proposals there will be increased safeguards. This means that new developments where the young or vulnerable are potentially at risk from flooding such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes and nurseries, will not be permitted. Similarly, developments housing hazardous substances that would pose a health risk in the instance of flooding would also be refused planning permission.

-- Advertisement --

In coastal flood plains, there will be greater flexibility to facilitate development when the flood risk has been mitigated through raising the land to an appropriate level.

There is also new guidance on sustainable drainage and the flood proofing of buildings in flood risk areas.

Mr Durkan said: "Up until the beginning of this year, there has only been one year (2010) that did not experience a serious local flood incident. Given the predictions for climate change, the frequency of these events is likely to increase in the future.

"While flooding is a natural phenomenon that cannot be entirely eliminated, we in government need to do all we can to address this recurring problem which can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities - especially the vulnerable. And let's not forget the impact on buildings, and the delivery of services and the hardship experienced by people in the recovery and clean up period. Flooding can also directly affect schools, hospitals, businesses, transport and infrastructure and is therefore detrimental to our economy and society.

"I believe it is important to ensure that the planning system continues to manage new development so as to further reduce the risk of flooding to people and property. I also think that developers building near reservoirs should take responsibility for ensuring their safety – making this a planning condition should help create a safer environment."

(CD/JP)