Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan
WAT1 Flood Risk Management
The functional floodplain will be protected from inappropriate development and where possible developed flood plain should be returned to Greenfield status with an enhanced level of biodiversity.
Development proposals should neither increase the likelihood or intensity of any form of flooding, nor increase the risk to people, property, crops or livestock from such events, both on site and to neighbouring land or further downstream.
Development should take into account the impacts of climate change and should build in long term resilience against increased water levels. Therefore, appropriate distances and buffers between water courses and built development should be maintained in accordance with Environment Agency guidelines.
In order to steer new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding, the Sequential Test will be used. In exceptional circumstances, if developments are proposed which are required to pass the NPPF Exceptions Test, they will need to address flood resilient design and emergency planning by demonstrating that:
- The development will remain safe and operational under flood conditions;
- A strategy of either safe evacuation and/or safely remaining in the building is followed under flood conditions;
- Key services will continue to be provided under flood conditions; and
- Buildings are designed for quick recovery following a flood.
For more information please see the District Plan