To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what initiatives are being implemented to support sustainable urban development.

Furthering sustainable development is at the heart of the planning system and my Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (the SPPS) which sets out regional strategic planning policy on a range of important matters, including urban development. The SPPS supports furthering sustainable development in the long term public interest and requires the integration and balancing of complex social, economic, and environmental factors by planning authorities when plan-making and decision-taking.

NI Water, which is sponsored by my Department, is committed to working with developers to consider ways of accommodating sustainable urban development wherever possible. The Pre-Development Enquiry (PDE) process has recently been introduced as a measure to facilitate sustainable development. In addition, my Department is considering proposals for a legislative Bill which will include the provision of powers to issue future guidance or regulations on the approval and maintenance of sustainable drainage systems (SuDs).

My Department is also leading on the delivery of the Living With Water in Belfast Plan which aims to help reduce flooding, enhance the environment, and facilitate economic growth in the city by investing in infrastructure to address capacity constraints in sewerage and wastewater treatment. The Plan promotes a more sustainable approach to water management, along with the benefits of blue / green infrastructure. A Living With Water in Derry Plan, similar to the Belfast Plan is being developed and will be subject to a public consultation in due course