Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - South Worcestershire ...

2 The Planning Framework and Flood Risk Policy2.1 IntroductionThe over arching aim of planning policy on development and flood risk is to ensure that flood riskis taken into account at all stages of the planning process. The purpose of this section of thereport is to highlight the main changes to the planning framework and flood risk responsibilitiessince the previous SFRA was published in 2009. These changes have been taken into accountin preparing this SFRA update.2.2 Flood Risk Regulations (2009) and Flood and Water Management Act(2010)2.2.1 BackgroundThe Flood Risk Regulations transpose the EC “Flood Directive” into UK law and placeresponsibility upon all Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) to manage local flood risk. TheFlood and Water Management Act (FWMA) received Royal Assent in April 2010. The FWMAaims to create a simpler and more effective means of managing the risk of flood and coastalerosion and implements Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations following his review of the 2007floods.Figure 2-1 sets out the requirements and timescales for implementing the requirements of theDirective.Figure 2-1: Flood Risk Regulation RequirementsThe FWMA also calls for the establishment of a SUDS Approving Body (SAB) to be set up incounty, county borough or unitary local authorities. This requires SAB approval of drainagesystems for new and redeveloped sites to be obtained before construction can commence.Additionally the proposed drainage system must meet the new National Standards for design,construction, operation and maintenance. The SAB will be responsible for approving, adoptingand maintaining drainage plans and SUDS schemes that meet the National Standards. Theresponsibilities of the SAB are likely to rest with the LLFA (in this case, Worcestershire County2012s5947 S Worcestershire Level 2 SFRA Update FINAL Report v1.0.doc 12