Flood risk assessment for nursing home application

The decision by the agency has been welcomed by Lagan Valley Assembly Member Paul Givan who says that the infrastructure in the area could not cope.

“The proposed location of this application has caused significant concern from residents but particularly given the recent flooding that occurred in this area” he said.

“Following that elected representatives asked for a further response from the Rivers Agency in respect of this application and I am pleased they have advised the planning service that a Flood Risk Assessment is necessary and the Rivers Agency regard this recommendation as being ‘very important in this case in view of the recent considerable flooding at and and downstream of this location.

“I have been in communication with the Planning Service and the developer will now be required to carry out an assessment which will then require Rivers Agency consideration before this application can proceed any further.”

Mr Givan went onto say: “What that occurred at this location and other areas of Pond Park, including Parkland Avenue, has led to concern that overdevelopment without the appropriate infrastructure being put in place contributed to the flooding that devastated so many properties and therefore it is vital that detailed and robust scrutiny takes place when considering new applications such as this one before reaching a decision

“After considering the assessment, if the Rivers Agency cannot support the application, I will expect the Planning Service to take appropriate action in respect of how they make a determination on this proposal” he added.