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Rivers as environmental assets and flood risk considerations
2.79Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The rivers that run through our Borough are important environmental assets and resources, but they are also a source of flood risk. This will be an important consideration in identifying future develo
flood-risksite-planningclimate-resiliencePrecautionary approach to flood risk
13.6Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
In line with the provisions of regional policy, the Council will adopt a precautionary approach to the consideration of flood risk from all potential sources of flooding. This aims to prevent future d
site-planningflood-riskManaging floodplains and sustainable design for water management
13.7Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
To make space for water, minimise risk and help maintain their natural function, the Council will seek to avoid development in flood plains wherever possible, as well as encouraging sustainable design
site-planningflood-riskdrainageFlood risk information and assessment requirements
13.8Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
In order to properly manage development, the Council will use the latest flood risk information and maps available from DfI Rivers and will require detailed information in the form of FRAs and DAs to
site-planningflood-riskdrainageExceptions to flood plain development restrictions
DM 46.1Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The use of land for sport and outdoor recreation, amenity open space or nature conservation purposes, including ancillary buildings (but excluding club houses/social facilities and children's playgrou
site-planningflood-risksportrecreationmineral-extractionFlood risk management and mitigation measures
DM 46.2Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
In exceptional circumstances, where development proposals are considered acceptable in principle within a flood plain, adequate measures to manage and mitigate flood risk will be required. These shoul
site-planningflood-riskLand raising in flood plains
DM 46.3Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Land raising operations, which involve the permanent elevation of a site to a level above the flood plain in order to facilitate development, will not be acceptable in river flood plains. Land raising
site-planningflood-riskcoastalerosionFlood defences and compensation storage
DM 46.4Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Other flood protection/management measures involving new flood defences or flood compensation storage works affecting a flood plain, will not be acceptable unless these are proposed to be undertaken b
site-planningflood-riskDefinition of Flood Plains
13.19Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Flood plains are the generally flat areas adjacent to watercourses or the sea where water flows in time of flooding or would flow but for the presence of flood defences. The extent of a flood plain is
site-planningcoastalflood-riskFlood Risk Information and Developer Responsibility
13.20Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Current information on fluvial and coastal flood plains, including information on flood defences, is available on the DfI Flood Maps NI Interactive Map Viewer. This information is regularly updated, a
site-planningflood-riskFlood Risk Assessment Requirements
13.21Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Planning applications in identified flood risk areas must be accompanied by an assessment of the flood risk in the form of a FRA, which should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional. A FR
site-planningflood-riskFlood Defence Methods
13.22Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
New hard engineered or cored earthen bank flood defences, publicly funded and constructed, are seen as a necessary and acceptable flood mitigation method to protect existing property that is already i
site-planningflood-riskFlood Plain Development and Land Raising
13.22Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
defence works or flood storage compensation schemes proposed by a developer, will not be acceptable as justification to allow development in a flood plain to proceed. Exceptionally land raising may be
coastalflood-risksite-planningConsultation with DfI Rivers on Flood Risk
13.23Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The Council will consult with DfI Rivers as the competent authority responsible for flood risk on all applications within or close to flood plains and take account of its advice and recommendations in
flood-risksite-planningSurface Water Drainage and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) - Policy Context
13.24-13.26Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The aim of this policy is to reduce flood risk for new developments from surface water (pluvial) sources. This aim has taken account of and is consistent with the provisions of the SPPS. Surface wate
drainageflood-risksite-planningDM 47.2 - Drainage Assessment Requirements
DM 47.2Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
A DA proportionate to the development proposed must accompany planning applications in the following circumstances: (a) Development proposed in an area where there is evidence of a history of surface
drainageflood-risksite-planningSurface water flooding and development
13.27Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The Council will only permit development in areas where there is evidence of surface water flooding, when the developer is able to demonstrate through a DA, that the flood risk can be effectively cont
drainageflood-risksite-planningEarly consideration of drainage in site evaluation
13.28Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The Council encourages all developers to consider drainage issues early in the site evaluation and planning process, not just at the detailed design stage of a development. Development proposals shoul
drainageflood-risksite-planningSuDS schemes and managing surface water flow
13.29Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Hard, impermeable surfaces result in the rapid transfer of water during periods of rainfall which can result in drainage infrastructure being overwhelmed. SuDS schemes are designed to 'slow the flow'
drainageflood-riskSuDS design techniques and early incorporation
13.30Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Developers should consider the incorporation of SuDS as early as possible in the design process, whilst appropriate techniques may include such solutions as green roofs, permeable surfaces, oversized
drainageflood-riskexternal-spacePlanning application requirements for SuDS proposals
13.31Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Planning applications will be expected to be accompanied by an appropriate level of detail to ensure that proposals for SuDS are capable of practical implementation and where acceptable, the Council w
drainageflood-risksite-planningReservoir Flood Risk - Policy Rationale
13.32-13.34Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The aim of this policy is to minimise potential flood risk for developments in close proximity to controlled reservoirs. This aim has taken account of and is consistent with the provisions of the SPPS
site-planningflood-riskReservoir Flood Risk - Development Permissions
DM 48.1Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The Council will permit development proposals within the potential flood inundation area of a controlled reservoir (as defined in the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015) where it is satisfied, in consultation w
site-planningflood-riskReservoirs without Condition Assurance - Permitted Development
DM 48.2Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
In cases where assurance on the condition, management and maintenance regime of the relevant reservoir cannot be demonstrated the development will only be permitted in the following circumstances: (a)
flood-riskreservoirsite-planningReservoir Flood Risk Assessment Requirements
DM 48.3Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Where a reservoir FRA is deemed necessary this will need to set out suitable measures to manage and mitigate the identified flood risks, including details of emergency evacuation procedures.
flood-riskreservoirRestrictions on Vulnerable and Essential Development near Reservoirs
DM 48.4Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Within the entire flood inundation area of a reservoir without condition assurance, there will also be a presumption against bespoke development for vulnerable groups (such as schools or sheltered acc
flood-riskreservoirpublic-buildingControlled Reservoirs Information
13.35Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Details of Controlled Reservoirs in the Borough are available on Reservoir Flood Maps produced by DfI Rivers and are available to view on its website. These provide the location of each Controlled Res
flood-riskreservoirsite-planningDevelopment in Controlled Reservoir Inundation Areas
13.36Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Development within the inundation area of a controlled reservoir will be acceptable in cases where certification has been provided from a competent reservoirs engineer that the condition, management a
flood-risksite-planningdrainageFlood Risk Assessment in Reservoir Inundation Areas
13.37Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
It should be noted that where FRA is undertaken to accompany proposals in the flood inundation area of a reservoir without condition assurance development will not be permitted in those areas where th
flood-risksite-planningdrainagePolicy Aim for Artificial Modification of Watercourses
13.38Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The aim of this policy is to minimise the potential flood risk impact and adverse consequences for the environment associated with the modification of watercourses. This aim has taken account of and i
flood-riskdrainageenvironmentalArtificial Modification of Watercourses - Environmental Impact
13.39Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
The artificial modification of watercourses through culverting or canalising is widely accepted as an environmentally unsustainable practice, as such operations will often adversely impact upon the la
flood-riskdrainageenvironmentalprotection-from-floodingAcceptability of Watercourse Modification Proposals
13.40Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Such proposals run contrary to the Council's aim of making space for water and will therefore only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances.
flood-riskdrainageenvironmentalPolicy SP10: Environmental Resilience & Protection
Policy SP10Antrim and Newtownabbey·LDP 2030 Plan Strategy (adopted 2025)
Minimise flood risk in new development. Increased recycling of waste. Increased use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) as the preferred method of treating surface water for new development proposa
drainageenvironmental-resilienceflood-risksite-planningAims for Environmental Resilience and Flood Management
Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
We will encourage adaptation to emerging environmental challenges and mitigate flood risks through improvements to green and blue infrastructure networks. Manage development within areas of risk and e
flood-risksite-planningexternal-spacecoastalWater as a natural resource and infrastructure requirement
9.1.11, 9.1.12Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Water is a precious natural resource needed to fulfil many activities of everyday life. Significant infrastructure is required to deliver fresh water to homes and businesses throughout the city and al
water-managementdrainageflood-risksustainabilityenvironmental-protectionEnvironmental change and climate adaptation challenges
9.5.3, 9.5.4, 9.5.5Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Environmental change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the city. This includes changing weather patterns as a result of global environmental change, with perhaps the greatest threats for B
coastalresilienceflood-riskclimate-adaptationENV4 – Flood Risk Assessment Requirements
ENV4Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Planning applications in flood risk areas must be accompanied by an assessment of the flood risk in the form of a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). The council will have regard to guidance publications pro
flood-risksite-planningPrecautionary Approach to Flood Risk Assessment
ENV4Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
In all circumstances, the council will adopt a precautionary approach in assessing development proposals in areas that may be subject to flood risk presently or in the future as a result of environmen
flood-risksite-planningPolicy Framework for Flood Risk
ENV4Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
The SPPS sets out the planning policies for flood risk to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment. The council will take full account of these in assessing development proposals.
flood-riskFlood risk management context and environmental change
9.5.34Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
The frequency, pattern and severity of flooding are expected to increase as a result of environmental change. Development can also exacerbate the problems of flooding by accelerating and increasing su
site-planningflood-riskSustainable water policy and strategic framework
9.5.35, 9.5.36Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Government policy in regard to securing a sustainable water sector in Northern Ireland is currently being implemented through 'Sustainable Water – a Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (2015
site-planningflood-riskdrainageThree key themes of flood risk management
9.5.37Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
It is important to note that there are three key themes with regard to flood risk management. These themes are: Prevention: the avoidance of, where possible, new development in areas of flood risk; pr
site-planningflood-riskBelfast flood risk profile
9.5.38Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Belfast has a long history of flood events and significant damage has been caused by both fluvial and pluvial events. Given the geographical location, topography and population density of the city, th
site-planningflood-riskcoastalRecognition of SuDS and natural environmental processes in planning
9.5.42Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
The SPPS recognises that the planning system should help to mitigate and adapt to environmental change by working with natural environmental processes, for example through promoting the development of
drainageflood-riskenvironmental-protectionIncorporation of SuDS across different development scales
9.5.43Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
SuDS measures can be incorporated into a wide range of development proposals, including at different scales. Most types of built development offer potential for some SuDS measures, irrespective of sca
drainageflood-riskdwellingcommercialgreen-infrastructurePromotion of SuDS and maintenance arrangements
9.5.44Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
There are a number of ways in which the council will promote SuDS, including through this policy and key site requirements attached to specific zonings. The onus will be on the applicant/developer to
drainageflood-riskplanning-conditionmanagementSuDS to be considered early in design process with detailed proposals required
9.5.45Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Developers should consider incorporation of SuDS as early as possible in the design process. Planning applications will be expected to be accompanied by an appropriate level of detail to ensure that p
drainageflood-riskdesign-stageapplication-requirementDevelopment in Coastal Areas - National or Regional Interest Test
10.4.21Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Development may be considered where it is demonstrated to be in the national or regional interest and there is no other suitable location. Some minor development, such as access improvements or low-in
coastalsite-planningflood-riskFlood Risk Development Indicator (Indicator 24)
Indicator 24Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)
Ref: 24 Indicator: Quantity of development permitted in undeveloped areas of flood risk Source: Planning decisions (BCC) and DfI Rivers consultations Relevant Policy: ENV 4 Target: No permissions gran
flood-risksite-planningenvironmental-protectionPurpose and Authority of PPS 15
NI-wide·PPS 15 Planning and Flood Risk (Revised)
This Planning Policy Statement, revised PPS 15 'Planning and Flood Risk' sets out the Department's draft planning policies to minimise and manage flood risk to people, property and the environment. It
flood-risksite-planningsustainability