Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - South Worcestershire ...

Additionally Provision 110 of the Act places a duty to cooperate on local authorities in relation toplanning of sustainable development. This duty to cooperate requires local authorities to“engage constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis in any process by means of whichdevelopment plan documents are prepared so far as relating to a strategic matter” 6 .The Localism Act also provides new rights to allow parish or town councils to deliver additionaldevelopment through neighbourhood planning. This means local people can help decide wherenew homes and businesses should go and what they should look like. Local planning authoritieswill be required to provide technical advice and support as neighbourhoods draw up theirproposals.2.4 National Planning Policy FrameworkThe National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27 th March 2012, as part ofreforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect theenvironment and to promote sustainable growth. It replaces most of the Planning PolicyGuidance Notes (PPGs) and Planning Policy Statements (PPSs).The NPPF is guidance for local planning authorities to help them prepare Local Plans.Paragraph 100 of the NPPF states “Local Plans should be supported by a strategic flood riskassessment and develop policies to manage flood risk from all sources, taking account of advicefrom the Environment Agency and other relevant flood risk management bodies, such as LeadLocal Flood Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards. Local Plans should apply a sequential,risk-based approach to the location of development to avoid, where possible, flood risk to peopleand property and manage any residual risk, taking account of the impacts of climate change” 1 .Technical guidance on flood risk has been published alongside the NPPF and sets out how thepolicy should be implemented, although it is stated that this is an interim measure.Whilst the NPPF concentrates on high level national policy and avoids prescriptive guidance,Environment Agency guidance published in May 2012 states the Planning Policy Statement 25(PPS25) Practice Guide is still extant 7 (it has been assumed that this Environment Agencystatement on policy is appropriate).2.5 South Worcestershire Water Cycle Study UpdateA Water Cycle Study for South Worcestershire was completed in 2010 and is undergoing anupdate in 2012. New homes require the provision of clean water, safe disposal of wastewaterand protection from flooding. A large number of homes may cause existing infrastructure to beoverwhelmed and can adversely affect the environment. Climate change brings with it newchallenges such as increased rainfall that can put greater pressure on the existing infrastructure,planning for water has to take this into account.The updated Water Cycle Study will assist local authorities to select and develop sustainabledevelopment allocations where there is minimal impact on the environment, water quality, waterresources, infrastructure and flood risk. This will be achieved by identifying areas where theremay be conflict between any proposed development and the requirements of the environmentand by recommending potential solutions. As part of the Water Cycle Strategy, assessment willbe made of Severn Trent Water’s infrastructure to identify any need for extra capacity and whereconnections to existing infrastructure are appropriate. If new development were to require a newseparate system then this could have implications for flood risk management strategies and beused to reduce sewer flooding.2.6 Surface Water Management PlansCurrently, no Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) have been undertaken at the DistrictLevel. A county wide Surface Water Management Plan is currently being produced byWorcestershire County Council (as LLFA). This SWMP is being informed by data from theDistrict Drainage Officers and Severn Trent Water. The SWMP plan outlines the preferred6 Localism Act 2011: Section 110. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/20/section/1107 Quick Guide 364_12: National Planning Policy Framework – Flood and Coastal Change Risk Management(Environment Agency, 2012)2012s5947 S Worcestershire Level 2 SFRA Update FINAL Report v1.0.doc 14