Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

The Sequential TestThe Sequential Test should be applied to demonstrate that there are no reasonablyavailable sites in areas with a lower probability of flooding that would be appropriateto the type of development or land use proposed.The Exception TestIf, following application of the Sequential Test, it is not possible or consistent withwider sustainability objectives for the development to be located in zones of lowerprobability of flooding, the Exception Test can be applied. The Test provides a methodof managing flood risk whilst still allowing necessary development to occur. TheException Test is only appropriate for use when there are large areas in Flood Zones 2and 3, where the Sequential Test alone cannot deliver acceptable sites, but where somecontinued development is necessary for wider sustainable development reasons,taking into account the need to avoid social or economic blight and the need foressential civil infrastructure to remain operational during floods.Requirements under PPS25 aim to refine the Flood Map information over timethrough the progression of a suite of further studies at a regional, strategic andlocal level that incorporate all potential flooding sources and the effects offlood defences. The levels and responsibilities associated with these studiesare described below.Regional: Regional Flood Risk Appraisals (RFRAs) required to becommissioned by Regional Planning Bodies to accompany Regional SpatialStrategies. Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs) to be completed bythe Environment Agency.District: Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs) required to becommissioned singly or collaboratively by the LPA of District or BoroughCouncils.Local: site specific Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) required to becommissioned by applicants to the planning system.An RFRA for South East England has been prepared by Halcrow on behalf ofthe South East England Regional Assembly in October 2008 ( 1 ) . An SFRA forOxford City was completed in June 2008 ( 2 ) , while the SFRA for CherwellDistrict has not yet been released.The Environment Agency is currently undertaking a programme to produceCatchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs). Catchment flood managementplanning has the main goal of identifying long term (50 to 100 years)sustainable policies to manage flood risk within a catchment or series ofcatchments and influencing UDPs, LBAPs and other associated plans. Theaim is for these policies to then form the basis of strategic plans, which willdetail area and site specific flood defence measures and influence changes toland use and land management.(1) South East England Regional Assembly (2008). Regional Flood Risk Appraisal for South East England. Prepared byHalcrow.(2) Oxford City Council (2008). Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for Oxford City. Final Report. Prepared by Atkins.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTG1-7CHILTERN RAILWAYS