Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

NE9.5: Surface Water Management

Proposals that incorporate well-designed Sustainable Drainage Systems that are appropriately integrated into the scheme, aim to achieve greenfield run-off rates manage surface water and improve resilience will be supported.

Sustainable Drainage Systems should make effective use of land by being multifunctional, to maximise ecological benefits such as biodiversity, provide open space or incorporate tree planting and landscaping. Developments will need to ensure the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems does not worsen contamination effects, and soakaways should not be located within land affected by land contamination.

Developments should seek betterment of existing surface water flood risk, both within the site and surrounding area, as an opportunity to have a positive impact on cumulative risk, using appropriate drainage measures. Allowances for changes and increases in flood risk due to climate change need to be considered. Sustainable Drainage Systems must be designed to respond to risk for the lifetime of a development, including the appropriate climate change impacts.

Sustainable Drainage Systems should be designed and integrated into the proposal to effectively manage the existing surface water flow paths on the site, protect and enhance water quality and help to mitigate other flood risks. Measures should be agreed with the Lead Local Flood Authority and be consistent with the Hertfordshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. As part of an application, an applicant should provide a management plan that clarifies how any measures will be managed and maintained and agreed with the lead Local Flood Risk Authority.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.