Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an important role in shaping the natural environment. However, flooding threatens life and causes substantial damage to property. The effects of weather events can be increased in severity both as a consequence of previous decisions about the location, design and nature of land use, and as a potential consequence of future climate change. Although flooding cannot be wholly prevented, its impacts can be avoided and reduced through good planning and management.
All forms of flooding and their impact on the natural and built environment are material planning considerations. Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development sets out the Government’s objectives for the planning system, and how planning should facilitate and promote sustainable patterns of development, avoiding flood risk and accommodating the impacts of climate change. Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk sets out the Government’s approach to how the planning system should take into account the risk of flooding to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and to direct development away from areas at highest risk. This guidance is expanded on in the document Development and Flood Risk Practice Guide.
In accordance with guidance contained in these documents, it is essential that Local Authorities carry out appropriate assessments of flood risk. As such, PPS25 advises that Local Planning Authorities should prepare Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs) in consultation with the Environment Agency. The North Kesteven SFRA was completed in November 2009 and is now available to view or download by clicking on the attachments below. The Study provides valuable information for the Council, developers, householders and businesses on flood risk throughout the District, which will be used to guide decision making on planning applications and policy.
