Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Development Management Plan

CCF2 Flood risk

  1. Development proposals must avoid areas at risk of flooding where possible and prioritise development in areas with the lowest risk of flooding. The Sequential Test shall be undertaken for developments in Flood Zones 2 and 3 except where exempt in accordance with the requirements of the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance. Development will not be permitted if there are reasonably available sites appropriate for the proposed development in areas with a lower probability of flooding. Where necessary the Exception Test must also be satisfied in line with national guidance.
  2. Sites within Flood Zones 2 and 3, sites within Flood Zone 1 which are greater than 1 hectare in area, and sites with critical drainage problems or where a proposed development will result in a vulnerable development being subject to other sources of flooding, will be required to carry out a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (appropriate to the scale of the development). Where a Flood Risk Assessment is required, it should:
    • take account of the impacts of climate change over the lifetime of the development
    • demonstrate that the development will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of the proposed use; and
    • take account of the advice and recommendations set out in the Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.
  3. Proposals must not increase the existing and future risk of flooding elsewhere. Where possible, proposals should seek to secure opportunities to reduce both the cause and impact of flooding for existing and proposed development.
  4. Development should reduce surface water run-off rates using Sustainable Drainage systems where necessary, suitable to the scale and type of development. Where Sustainable Drainage Systems are proposed, schemes should include appropriate arrangements for the ongoing maintenance for the lifetime of the development.

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Development Management Plan