BCC and NI Water launch SuDS pilot for single residential units

Belfast City Council (BCC) and NI Water (NIW) have this week launched a new pilot scheme aimed at simplifying applications for planning permission for single residential units.

The scheme introduces a new NIW Single Residential Unit Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) Proforma, designed to support surface water management in line with BCC’s Belfast Local Development Plan: Plan Strategy 2035.

By using this form, developers can demonstrate compliance with the drainage requirements set out in BCC’s Local Development Plan. NIW has also stated that following this process will help to expedite agreement for connections to the public sewer system.

How the new process works

• Applicants are encouraged to complete the SuDS Proforma, available on NIW’s website, alongside a new SuDS guidance document.
• This form should be submitted with the planning application to the Council’s Planning Service.
• Upon receipt, the Planning Service will upload a copy of the SuDS Proforma to the NI Planning Portal and initiate a statutory consultation with NIW in cases where the proposal would result in intensification of site usage.
• NIW’s planning team will review the form as part of the consultation process.
• If approved, NIW will not object to the planning application, provided the proposed SuDS system is installed as planned.
• As a side note, BCC has updated the Climate Change Statement section of its Planning Application Validation Checklist to reflect the introduction of this pilot scheme.

The announcement follows a meeting between RSUA and NIW in April this year to discuss sustainable drainage and other issues related to wastewater capacity constraints. Subsequently, several members provided feedback on NI Water’s SuDS guidance document. You can read more about the meeting here.

If you have any questions or comments about the scheme, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk