Policy information sourced from the Bracknell Forest Local Plan 2024-2037 document.

LP 33: Flood Risk.

1. In the areas defined as functional floodplain in the Bracknell Forest Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), or more recent flood modelling, only water compatible uses and essential infrastructure development will be supported.

2. Development will only be permitted in areas at risk of flooding if:

  • the sequential test, when required by national policy, is applied to the location of development taking into account flood risk from all sources, both now and in the future, including climate change, and is passed;
  • the sequential approach is applied to the layout of development within an application site, taking into account flood risk from all sources, both now and in the future, including climate change, to ensure that the most vulnerable development is located in the lowest risk flood areas within a site;
  • flood risk from all sources of flooding, now and in the future, including climate change, are taken into consideration and fully addressed; and,
  • the exception test, when required by national policy, is fully complied with.

3. A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be required for developments in areas identified in the latest SFRA as being at risk of flooding now or in the future, including climate change, and when required by national policy. The FRA is required to demonstrate that:

  • the development, including its cumulative impact, will not increase flood risk off-site over the lifetime of the development and will implement opportunities to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding;
  • any loss of flood storage capacity must be compensated for to ensure that the total volume of floodplain storage is not reduced;
  • suitable allowances for climate change have been taken into account in accordance with the most up to date guidance;
  • the development is safe for its lifetime from all forms of flooding with finished floor levels set above predicted design flood levels;
  • safe access and egress routes are provided; and
  • all sources of flooding have been considered.

For more information, please visit Bracknell Forest’s Local Plan document here.