As the impact of climate change is felt, development in Northern Ireland must increasingly steer clear of areas at risk of flooding, according to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Commenting on an RICS event about Planning Policy Statement 15 (PPS15) - the planning policy to minimise flood risk - RICS planning spokesperson, Diana Fitzsmions, says that Northern Ireland's susceptibility to flooding will increase in the years to come.

The event, organised in conjunction with the Environmental and Planning and Law Association for Northern Ireland (EPLANI), heard from speakers including Stuart Beattie QC and Andrew Jackson of global consultancy RPS.

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Ms Fitzsimons says: "It is essential that development is steered towards areas with the lowest risk of flooding as homes and other properties built on floodplains are susceptible to damage. Building in the wrong place, such as on a flood plain or runoff area, can also add to the danger caused by flooding by forcing water further downstream and creating problems miles away."

"Climate change will increase flood risk in Northern Ireland in the years to come and it is important that chartered surveyors, developers, contractors, planners and other property and construction practitioners and professionals are fully aware of the implications of PPS15 and the issues surrounding flooding.

"The event also explored the need for clarity from the Planning Service on how it balances the potential for flooding against other material considerations where there is a defended flood plain and the site has not been previously developed, but is within the settlement limit," Ms Fitzsimons adds.

PPS 15 sets out the Planning Service’s planning policy to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment.

(JM)