Policy Objectives

The main objectives of this statement are to: • seek to prevent inappropriate new development in areas known to be at risk of flooding, or that may increase the flood risk elsewhere; • ensure that the most up to date information on flood risk is taken into account when determining planning applications and zoning / designating land for development in development plans; • adopt a precautionary approach to the identification of land for development through the development plan process and the determination of development proposals, in those areas susceptible to flooding where there is a lack of precise information on present day flood risk or future uncertainties associated with flood estimation, climate change predictions and scientific evidence; • manage development in ways that are proportionate and appropriate to the 4 main sources of flood risk present in Northern Ireland, ie fluvial, coastal, surface water and water impoundment (reservoir) breach or failure; • seek to protect development that is permitted within flood risk areas by ensuring that adequate and appropriate measures are employed to mitigate and manage the flood risks to the development and elsewhere; • support the retention and restoration of natural flood plains and natural watercourses as a form of flood alleviation and an important environmental and social resource, and ensure that this is recognised in the decision making process; • promote sustainable development through encouraging the use of sustainable drainage for new developments and redevelopment / regeneration schemes; • promote public awareness of flood risk and the flood risk information that is available and of relevance to undertaking development; • promote an integrated and sustainable approach, both locally and at catchment scale, to the management of development and flood risk which contributes to the safety and wellbeing of everyone, the prudent and efficient use of economic resources; and