AQW 37886/22-27
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford
Tabled Date: 09/01/2026
Answered On Date: 02/02/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of new social housing developments that have been (i) objected to; or (ii) refused by, NI Water at planning application stage.
Answer:
This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows: “The Housing Executive does not hold a definitive figure for the number of new social housing developments objected to or refused by NI Water at planning application stage. This is because development proposals are at various stages of the planning process, and NI Water’s position can change as conditions are addressed, or solutions identified, through the Wastewater Impact Assessment (WWiA) process. Some schemes receive planning approval with NI Water conditionality, which is later resolved. Others face initial refusal pending WWiA outcomes, but approval may follow once solutions are agreed. In summer 2025, NI Water carried out a high-level risk assessment of the 3-year Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) ‘New Bids’. Based on data provided in August 2025: 2,751 units: Solution possible, no issues envisaged. 1,302 units: Requires developer engagement to determine if a solution is possible. 649 units: Requires NI Water capital works upgrade. Current Position for 2025/26 The table below summarises NIHE’s understanding of the position for proposals within the 2025/26 SHDP year: Planning / NI Water Position | Nr Schemes | Nr Units | Approval not required | 15 | 55 | Approval in place | 59 | 1,080 | Planning Approval TBC / NI Water Approval in place | 20 | 842 | Planning Approval / NI Water Approval TBC | 3 | 339 | Total | 97 | 2,316 |
NIHE continues to engage with NI Water and other stakeholders to manage these risks proactively.”
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