Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced a review of how planning policy affects the risk of flooding.

The existing policy, Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 15, was drawn up in June 2006, setting out the Department of the Environment’s planning policies to minimise flood risk to people, property and the environment.

The minister said it had proved very effective in managing the risk of flooding to new developments, but understanding of climate change is evolving as new evidence and experience of implementing flood risk emerges.

“That is why I am honouring the commitment to review the policy within five years of its publication. In light of flooding events over the past few years I want to ensure that our planning policies remain fit for purpose and the planning system plays its part in dealing with this important issue,” he said.

“In undertaking this review I am keen to seek the views of the public regarding the existing policy to assist in the identification of issues that may need to be addressed in the review.”

In recent years areas of south Belfast, including the Ormeau Road and Broadway, have been affected heavily by flooding.

PPS 15 can be accessed online at www.planningni.gov.uk.