Policy information sourced from the Hertsmere Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Plan

SADM13 - The Water Environment

The natural environment of watercourses and areas of water will be improved wherever possible through Policy SADM16. Watercourses, including culverts, land adjacent to rivers, functional floodplains and flood storage areas should be restored to their natural state.

New built development will normally be directed to Flood Zone 1, in preference to Flood Zones 2 or 3 as shown on the Policies Map. New development will not be permitted in Flood Zone 3b, as defined by the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, and redevelopment of previously developed land in Zone 3b will only be permitted if the proposals are for a compatible use.

Reservoirs and water attenuation areas which help reduce flood risk downstream will be retained.

Development will support the effective use of sewerage infrastructure and water supply in accordance with Policy SADM17.

Development that would be likely to pollute the aquifer or unduly affect the water table will not be granted permission. Where there may be a risk to groundwater the criteria adopted will be as described in the Environment Agency’s publication ‘Groundwater protection: Principles and practice (GP3)’ (as amended).

For more information please see the Hertsmere Policies Plan