At Sustainable NI, we’re always encouraged to see practical examples of sustainability being built into local development. This week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited a Nature-based Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) scheme at the Belmont Hall housing development in Antrim.
Delivered by Antrim Construction in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Construction Employers Federation, the scheme integrates natural drainage features — grassed swales, rain gardens, and detention ponds — to manage rainwater where it falls. These features slow and filter surface water, reduce flood risk, and protect water quality, while enhancing biodiversity and creating more liveable neighbourhoods.
“It’s good to see, at first hand, a local example of how nature-based solutions can be integrated into new housing developments,” said Minister Kimmins during the visit. “By integrating nature-based drainage solutions, we can protect our rivers and loughs, improve sewer performance, and reduce flood risk.”
Building Sustainability into the System
Sustainable NI welcomes the Department’s Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill, which is currently progressing through the Assembly. The Bill aims to provide the powers needed to make SuDS a standard requirement in future housing developments, regulating their design, approval, and long-term maintenance.
Alongside this, the Department’s public consultation on SuDS, open until 19 December 2025, seeks views on how Northern Ireland can embed nature-based drainage solutions in planning and infrastructure policy.
This consultation represents an important opportunity for local authorities, developers, and community groups to shape how SuDS are delivered — ensuring that every new home contributes positively to our shared environment.
Why this matters
Across Northern Ireland, our ageing water and wastewater systems are under pressure from climate change and population growth. Traditional “grey” infrastructure alone cannot keep pace with increasing rainfall intensity and urban expansion. Nature-based SuDS offer a cost-effective, resilient alternative that works with natural processes — storing and filtering rainwater, supporting wildlife, and creating attractive green spaces for residents.
Projects like Belmont Hall demonstrate what sustainable design and construction look like in practice in Northern Ireland.
By integrating SuDS into every stage of development — from planning to maintenance — we can help safeguard our communities from flooding for generations to come.
