Policy information sourced from the Epsom & Ewell Development Management Policies Document

DM19 Development & Flood Risk

In order to manage flood risk, we will take a sequential approach to the allocation of sites in a Site Allocations Policy Document and when determining planning applications.

Development within Flood Risk Zones 2 & 3 or on sites of 1ha or greater in Zone 1 and sites at medium or high risk from other sources of flooding as identified by the Borough Council’s SFRA, will not be supported unless:

  1. In fluvial flood risk areas, the sequential and exception tests have been applied and passed and it is a form of development compatible with the level of risk; and
  2. For all sources of risk, it can be demonstrated through a site FRA that the proposal would, where practicable, reduce risk both to and from the development or at least be risk neutral; and
  3. Where risks are identified through an FRA, flood resilient and resistant design and appropriate mitigation and adaptation can be implemented so that the level of risk is reduced to acceptable levels.

We will expect development to reduce the volume and rate of surface water run-off through the incorporation of appropriately designed Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) at a level appropriate to the scale and type of development.

Development which seeks to restore areas of functional floodplain will be encouraged, especially where this would provide opportunities for recreation, habitat restoration/ biodiversity enhancement and green infrastructure opportunities.

For more information please see the Epsom & Ewell Management Policies Document