CIH Northern Ireland survey: Developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure

1.Do you agree with the principle that a pathway for developer contributions should be introduced in Northern Ireland?

2.Which option do you think would be the best pathway (referring to Section 4 of the consultation report)?

Option 1: Voluntary developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure (this involves developers voluntarily paying towards specific wastewater infrastructure upgrades to enable their projects)

Option 2: Compulsory developer wastewater contribution levy (this proposes a compulsory levy on all new housing developments to fund wastewater infrastructure improvements across Northern Ireland)

Both Option 1 and Option 2

Other (please specify)

3.What potential benefits do you see in introducing developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure? (Please select all that apply)

Provides additional funding for essential infrastructure upgrades

Ensures new developments contribute to the cost of the services they require

May help to unlock housing development that is currently constrained by wastewater capacity

Promotes more sustainable development practices

Other (please specify)

4.What potential challenges or concerns do you have regarding the introduction of developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure? (Please select all that apply)

Could increase the cost of development, potentially impacting affordability

May create additional complexity and delays in the planning process

Risk of disproportionate impact on certain types or tenures of development

Uncertainty around how contributions will be calculated and applied

Potential for negative impacts on the viability of developments

Other (please specify)

5.Do you have any specific examples or experiences where inadequate wastewater infrastructure has impacted housing development or your work? (Briefly describe below)

6.In your opinion, what are the key considerations that DfI should consider when developing a framework for developer contributions for wastewater infrastructure?

You could consider things like the levy calculation method, contributions by upfront payment and/or bond, and whether reimbursement/exemption/reduction schemes should apply.

7.Are there alternative mechanisms (other than developer contributions) that you would recommend to fund necessary improvements to wastewater infrastructure? (Briefly describe below)

8.Do you have any other comments you would like to add?

Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Please click 'done' to submit your response.