To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any ongoing work with the Department for Infrastructure to remedy issues with wastewater limitations and planning procedures; and (ii) the areas where these issues are less problematic so that the development of private and social housing in alternative areas can be pursued in the short-term.

Through my Department’s work to develop a draft housing supply strategy, wastewater constraints and the planning system were identified as key issues. Department for Infrastructure officials have been involved throughout the strategy development process, including through representation on the project board overseeing strategy work. I am working to finalise the strategy with the intention of bringing it to the Executive as soon as possible.

Prior to this, I intend to write to the Infrastructure Minister, seeking support for the strategy and a commitment for the Departments to work closely together on these issues.

In terms of areas potentially impacted by wastewater constraints, NI Water provides online updates advising of catchments where negative planning responses may be provided by it, in consideration of applications. These updates can be accessed at: www.niwater.com/capacity-information/