Many wastewater catchments across Northern Ireland are currently constrained with some operating at or above capacity, either at the receiving Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs), within the wastewater network, or both.

To support planning applications for single residential units, NI Water is piloting a simplified process within the Belfast City Council area. This approach allows applicants to propose a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) for managing surface water. Once approved by NI Water, this approach helps speed up the planning decision process. It also streamlines the process of agreeing connection with NI Water.

Applicants are required to complete the Single Residential Unit Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) Proforma, available for download—along with a SuDS Guide.

The completed SuDS Proforma should be submitted alongside the Planning Application Form and any other relevant documents to Belfast City Council’s Planning Service.

Upon receipt, the Council‘s Planning Service will upload a copy of the SuDS Proforma to the Northern Ireland Planning Portal and issue a statutory consultation to NI Water.

NI Water’s Developer Services Planning Team will then review the form. If the submission is successful, NI Water will offer no objection to the application — on the condition that the SuDS solution outlined in the form (and any supporting drawings or specifications) is constructed or installed as proposed. This will smooth the process of seeking a sewer connection.