One Blackfriars - Planning Statement FINAL VERSION - Southwark ...

CBRE | ST GEORGE SOUTH LONDON LTDAPPENDIX A – PLANNING POLICY OVERVIEWopportunities to facilitate the relocation of development, including housing,to more sustainable locations.1.40 Paragraph 102 identifies that if, following application of the Sequential Test, it isnot possible, consistent with wider sustainability objectives, for the development tobe located in zones with a lower probability of flooding, the Exception Test can beapplied. In order for the exception test to be passed:it must be demonstrated that the development provides wider sustainabilitybenefits to the community that outweigh flood risk anda site-specific flood risk assessment must demonstrate that the developmentwill be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users,without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduceflood risk overall.1.41 At paragraph 103 the NPPF states that when determining planning applications,local planning authorities should ensure flood risk is not increased elsewhere andonly consider development appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where, informedby a site-specific flood risk assessment following the Sequential Test, and if requiredthe Exception Test, it can be demonstrated that:Environmentwithin the site, the most vulnerable development should be located in areasof lowest flood risk unless there are overriding reasons to prefer a differentlocation; anddevelopment is appropriately flood resilient and resistant, including safeaccess and escape routes where required, and that any residual risk can besafely managed, including by emergency planning; and it gives priority tothe use of sustainable drainage systems.1.42 At paragraph 109 the NPPF identifies that the planning system should contribute toand enhance the natural and local environment by, inter alia:Page 71APPENDIX A – PLANNING POLICY OVERVIEWMinimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversitywhere possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt theoverall decline in biodiversity;Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to orbeing put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected byunacceptable levels of soil, air, water, or noise pollution or land instability;andRemediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminatedand unstable land where appropriate.1.43 Paragraph 111 identifies that planning decisions should encourage the effective useof land by re-suing previously developed (brownfield) land, provided it is not ofhigh environmental value.1.44 Paragraph 120 states that to prevent unacceptable risks from pollution and landinstability, planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development isappropriate for its location. The effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution onhealth, the natural environment or general amenity, and the potential sensitivity of