Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - Hambleton District Council

2.4 The Government – There is no general statutory responsibility on the
Government to protect land or property against flooding. The Government
does however recognise the need for action to safeguard the wider social and
economic wellbeing of the country, including adapting to the impacts of
climate change. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
provide national strategic guidance and specialist advice on flooding. They
fund most of the Environment Agency’s activities in this area and provide
grant aid for flood management schemes to the Environment Agency, Internal
Drainage Boards and Local Authorities.
2.5 The Local Planning Authority – must consult the Environment Agency when
considering planning applications which may have an impact on flood risk. In
preparing their Local Development Frameworks they should ensure that land
allocations, development control policies and sustainability appraisals are
informed by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.
2.6 Operating Authorities – which include the Environment Agency, Local
Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards – have permissive powers to carry
out or maintain land drainage or flood defence works in the public interest.
2.7 Highway Authorities – The Highways Agency is responsible for managing
road drainage from trunk roads. Local Authority highways i.e. North Yorkshire
County Council have responsibility for managing drainage from roads on their
road network, in so far as ensuring that drains which are their responsibility
are maintained.
2.8 Sewerage Undertakers – Sewerage Undertakers are responsible for the
public foul and surface water sewerage infrastructure.
2.9 Further details on roles and responsibilities in relation to development and
flood risk are set out in PPG25.
3.0 THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MANAGING FLOOD RISK
3.1 Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an
important role in shaping the natural environment. The damage that results to
people and property is a consequence of previous human decisions about the
location and nature of settlement and land use. Such damage cannot be
prevented entirely, although its effects can be reduced.
3.2 Flooding can cause substantial damage to property and threaten human life.
The Easter floods of 1998 caused 5 deaths, £400M damage and resulted in
1500 people being evacuated from their homes. The more recent floods of
autumn 2000 flooded approximately 10,000 properties and businesses in 700
locations and 11,000 families were evacuated. The damage estimates for the
flood event and associated wind storms are £700M 1 .
3.3 It is estimated that five million properties are now at risk from flooding in
England and Wales. Two million homes have been built in the natural flood
plain of rivers or the coast and are vulnerable to flooding. The value of
property, land and assets at risk from flooding in England and Wales is £214
billion. Scientists predict that climate change may lead to more frequent
flooding in the future.
1 Figures relate to England and Wales.
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