Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan
Policy M4: Flood Risk and Riverside Design
Development with a frontage along the Rivers Thames or Darent will be expected to fully explore the potential for improving: the riparian landscape; biodiversity; access and appeal for pedestrians and cyclists; and opportunities for river based recreation. This should be planned along with securing any flood defence infrastructure that may be required under criterion
Development which is proposed on sites which fall partly or wholly within the tidal flood defence raising zone must not constrain the future management, maintenance and upgrading of flood defences and, where feasible, development must seek to contribute to the delivery of the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan.
Planning permission for development will only be granted where:
- It can be demonstrated that the site is safe from all types of flooding, now and for the lifetime of the development, taking into account the effects of climate change; and
- It does not materially displace flood water or worsen flood risk elsewhere.
Where development is within an area at risk of flooding from any source, it will be required to comply with national policy, including to:
- Apply the sequential test by demonstrating that there are not reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower flood risk and then applying the exception test as necessary;
- Include measures which reduce the overall level of flood risk at the site, where possible;
- Provide a safe means of access and egress; and
- Incorporate flood protection and resilience measures.
Development which is proposed on sites with a riverside frontage or providing access to flood defences must make sufficient space for the defences and for future river levels available where necessary, and provision for the future management, maintenance and upgrading of the defences.
All major development must incorporate multi-functional Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to reduce surface water run-off and ensure that it does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Infiltration SuDS will only be acceptable where they will not lead to deterioration of groundwater quality in Groundwater Source Protection Zones. Where possible, SuDS should be multi-functional and deliver benefits to green infrastructure.
Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan