North set for new anti-flood measures
Planning polices are being tightened up in a bid to strengthen flood risk defences at new developments in the North.
With climate change expected to heighten the threat of flooding, UK environment minister David Cairns confirmed the introduction of stricter policies as a precautionary approach.
He said: “While Northern Ireland is fortunate not to have experienced the large scale flooding … I want to make sure that we do not increase future flood risk here by permitting inappropriately located development.
“Securing and promoting the natural role of flood plains is a key factor in achieving this goal.”
The new policy he said, sought to move away from the traditional dependence on hard-engineered flood prevention measures and draining solutions by promoting early identification of problems and approaches which worked in harmony with the water environment, rather than against it.
According to the British Department of the Environment, a majority of the responses to a public consultation draft issued in December 2004 welcomed the policy.
It embodied the British government’s commitment to sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity, as well as taking account of climate change and promoting an approach to development which supported the well-being and safety of people.
The planning system could prevent developments at risk of flooding, but it had no direct role in relation to existing property at risk, other than to ensure planning decisions did not exacerbate the problem.
Mr Cairns said: “I believe this will help protect individuals and communities from the personal suffering and damage that flooding can bring.”
