Policy information sourced from Barking and Dagenham Adopted Core Strategy

POLICY CR4: FLOOD MANAGEMENT

Development that places people and property at risk from flooding, or which would have an adverse impact on watercourses, will not be permitted. The impacts of climate change and any potential displacement of flood risk into other areas must be taken into account.

All development proposals put forward on land that is at risk of flooding (as identified on the Environment Agency’s flood zone maps or in the Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment) must comply with the Sequential Test and (where appropriate) the Exception Test, as set out in PPS25. The Sequential Test means that:

  • Development will only be permitted in areas of medium flood risk if there are no suitable alternative sites in areas of low flood risk.
  • Development will only be permitted in areas of high flood risk if there are no suitable alternative sites in areas of medium or low flood risk.

The Exception Test means that, where it is not possible for development to be located in areas of lower flood risk, development may exceptionally occur in higher flood risk zones providing:

  • It makes a positive contribution to sustainable communities.
  • It is on developable brownfield land.
  • A Flood Risk Assessment demonstrates that the residual risks of flooding to people and property (including the likely effects of climate change) are acceptable and can be satisfactorily managed (e.g. through flood resilient design, safe emergency access and egress, good warning systems and heightened public awareness).
  • It makes a positive contribution to reducing or managing flood risk.

A Flood Risk Assessment must be submitted with planning applications for development proposals of one hectare or greater in flood zone 1 (low probability), and for all proposals for new development in flood zones 2 (medium probability) and 3 (high probability). These must be undertaken in line with Environment Agency advice and in consultation with the Environment Agency where appropriate.

For more information please see the Barking and Dagenham Adopted Core Strategy