Planning applications
We are the Local Planning Authority (LPA). We must review planning applications before new developments can be built. Planners must be satisfied that proposed new development is flood resilient.
To do this, planning applications should include -
- a site-specific flood risk assessment following the standing advice in the SFRA
- a Drainage Impact Assessment. It sets out the sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) to be used on site
The LPA must also consult the Lead Local Flooding Authority, which is also us, and the Environment Agency. This is about how the development will manage the flood risk to the site and the drainage proposals to manage the flood risk to the surrounding area. It will take account of technical advice before a decision can be made.
To help developers we have published the following extra guidance documents -
- Living with Water – approach to surface water drainage supplementary planning document
- Sustainable drainage supplementary planning document
Site-specific Flood Risk Assessment
The National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 167, footnote 55) states that developers must assess the flood risk from a new development. This is through a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). It must show how flood risk will be managed now and over the lifetime of the development. It must take into account climate change and the vulnerability of the development's users into account. It must make sure that flood risk is not increased elsewhere as a result of the development.
To find out if a site-specific FRA is needed when you are applying for planning permission, access GOV.UK.
The site-specific FRA should identify if the proposed development will -
- be affected by current or future flooding from any sources
- increase flood risk elsewhere
- include appropriate measures to deal with these effects and risks
- include evidence required for the LPA to apply the Sequential Test, if necessary
- include evidence to show the development would be safe and would pass an Exception Test. Do this if needed
- where there remains a residual flood risk, the developer should satisfy requirements to make the development flood resistant and resilient