Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 1

EM6: Flood Risk Management

The Council will require new development to be directed away from Flood Zones 2 and 3 in accordance with the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The subsequent Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 -Site Specific Allocations LDD will be subjected to the Sequential Test in accordance with the NPPF. Sites will only be allocated within Flood Zones 2 or 3 where there are overriding issues that outweigh flood risk. In these instances, policy criteria will be set requiring future applicants of these sites to demonstrate that flood risk can be suitably mitigated.

The Council will require all development across the borough to use sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) unless demonstrated that it is not viable. The Council will encourage SUDS to be linked to water efficiency methods. The Council may require developer contributions to guarantee the long term maintenance and performance of SUDS is to an appropriate standard.

Implementation of Policy EM6 - how we will achieve this

The Council will implement Policy EM6 by:

  • Working with the Environment Agency, British Waterways, Natural England and other partners to develop a management plan for the Grand Union Canal and other Blue Ribbon Networks where they are not currently in place.
  • Developing flood risk policies including SUDS in the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Development Management Policies LDD.

Monitoring of Policy EM6 - how we will measure success

  • Monitoring of Policy EM6 will be through the Annual Monitoring Report with a specific link to:
    • E1 (Core) Indicator: Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on either flood defence grounds or water quality. Target: No planning permission will be granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on either flood defence grounds or water quality.
  • NI 189 - Flood risk management indicator.
  • Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency.
  • Number of new homes built in medium and high flood risk areas.

For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 1