Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2038 PDF.
DM18: Flooding/SUDS.
A) Planning permission for all types of development will only be granted where:
- it can be demonstrated that the site is safe from all types of flooding, either because of existing site conditions or through flood risk management from the development, now and for the lifetime of the development; and
- it does not worsen flood risk elsewhere.
B) In addition to above Part A) development within areas of flood risk will be required to:
- provide a safe means of escape or suitably manage risk through some other means; and
- manage surface water run-off so that the run-off rate is no greater than the run-off prior to development taking place or, if the site is previously developed, development reduces run-off rates and volumes as far as is reasonably practical; and
- locate the most vulnerable development in areas of lowest flood risk unless there are overriding reasons for not doing so.
C) All major development will be required to incorporate water management measures to reduce surface water run-off and ensure that it does not increase flood risk elsewhere. The principal method to do so should be the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). As well as providing appropriate water management measures, where possible SuDS should be multi-functional to deliver benefits for the built, natural and historic environment.
Surface water connections to the public sewerage network should only be made where it can be demonstrated that there are no feasible alternatives (this applies to new developments and redevelopments) and where there is no detriment to existing users.
For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.