To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of social housing developments which have been refused planning permission due to opposition from NI Water, in (i) 2024-2025; and (ii) 2025-2026, broken down by council area.

This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.

I have sought the requested information from the Interim 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.

As we are progressing the new approved 3-year Social Housing Development programme, we will be reviewing this status again alongside NIW over the coming months.

The Housing Executive continues to engage with NI Water and other stakeholders to manage these risks proactively”.