Belfast Council has agreed to look at a potential legal challenge against NI Water over an alleged failure to connect the water supply to new homes.
The minutes state: “The committee agreed that the City Solicitor explore the legal options available to the council to address the failure of NI Water to connect water supplies to social homes.” “So I welcome the decision made by the S,P&R Committee that we will explore legal options, but I want to reaffirm tonight that we explore all legal options to move this forward. Because it is morally wrong in a housing crisis that we have people who can’t get a house when homes are built.”
He added: “They have created a new system, where you have to apply to Northern Ireland Water for approval before you submit a planning application for your domestic property, i.e. your home, when possess no powers of approval or rejection on planning applications, or anything else. The NI Water spokesperson said: “NI Water's infrastructure underpins every aspect of life in Northern Ireland. It is the foundation of public health; it can unlock economic growth and help restore the natural environment.