Developers and contractors working on new residential developments will now need to ensure that roads, footways, and streetlighting meet adoptable standards within a set timeframe, following updated guidance from Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has introduced revised enforcement procedures aimed at preventing new developments from becoming unadopted private streets. Previously, there was no specific timeframe for enforcement action under Private Streets legislation, which in some cases left new infrastructure incomplete and unadopted.

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Minister Kimmins explained that the updated guidance sets a clear threshold for initiating enforcement action, providing clarity for both homeowners and developers. The changes will apply to developments where bonds have been taken out from January 1, 2024, and retroactive application of the guidance is expected to reduce the risk of ongoing projects entering the backlog.

Officials will now engage with developers and sureties to inform them of the updated enforcement procedures to be adopted by DfI Roads.