Kimmins Visits Nature-based Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Scheme in Antrim
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited a Nature-based Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) scheme in a new housing development at Belmont Hall, Antrim.
The Minister met on site with representatives from the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) including the Developer, Antrim Construction, and some of the design team responsible for the project. This scheme was delivered as a pilot project, through engagement with the Department for Infrastructure.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“I welcome the opportunity to visit this Sustainable Drainage scheme and the positive engagement during today’s visit with the construction industry. It is good to see, at first hand, a local example of how nature-based solutions can be integrated into new housing developments.
“Sustainably managing our drainage and wastewater systems is integral to continuing to allow our economy to grow and enable much needed new homes to be built. We need to integrate nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments and, by doing so, we will help to protect the water quality of our rivers and loughs; improve the future performance of our sewerage systems; and reduce the risk of flooding.”
The Minister continued:
“My Department’s Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill was introduced to the NI Assembly on 23 June 2025. It is currently progressing through the Assembly and is an integral part of my three-pronged approach to deliver better water and wastewater infrastructure to support growth and adapt to changing weather patterns. This Bill will provide powers to make regulations in relation to the design, approval and maintenance of SuDS.
“The consultation on SuDS, which I launched on 22 September 2025, is a further step towards my commitment to implement the changes that are necessary to deliver the infrastructure improvements required for future demands. This consultation seeks views on the development and implementation of new policies and regulatory arrangements to ensure that nature-based SuDS, such as grassed swales, raingardens and detention ponds are provided in new housing developments in the future.
“It is important that everyone has the opportunity to express their views on how we regulate for nature-based SuDS in new developments, in a way that helps to deliver improvements to our drainage and wastewater infrastructure.”
The consultation will close on 19 December 2025. It can be accessed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/sustainable-drainage-systems-suds-new-housing-developments .
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has visited a Nature-based Sustainable Drainage scheme in a new housing development at Belmont Hall, Antrim. Pictured left to right are Mark Spence, Chief Executive, The Construction Employers Federation, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and David Magee, Building Director, Antrim Construction (developer of the Belmont Hall scheme).
- The proposed powers provided in the new Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill, which is currently going through the Assembly, will allow the Department to make regulations in relation to the design, approval, operation and maintenance of nature-based SuDS.
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