Policy information sourced from The Woking Local Development Document - Core Strategy

CS9: Flooding and water management

The Council will determine planning applications in accordance with the guidance contained within the NPPF. The SFRA will inform the application of the Sequential and Exceptional Test set out in the NPPF.

The Council expects development to be in Flood Zone 1 as defined in the SFRA. Applications or allocations within Flood Zone 2 will only be considered if it can be demonstrated that there are no suitable alternatives in areas at lower risk.

The Council will not encourage development in Flood Zones 3a and 3b however, it accepts that this is possible in exceptional circumstances. Development proposals in Flood Zones 3a and 3b will be required to be accompanied by a comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment to demonstrate that the development will not increase flood risk elsewhere or exacerbate the existing situation. A sequential approach will apply to all developments in Flood Zone 3 and areas at risk of flooding from sources other than river. Any development in Flood Zone 3b will only be acceptable when it is either water compatible, essential infrastructure, or if brownfield land, does not increase the net number of residential units or businessfloorspace and improves local flood risk.

The Council will require all significant forms of development to incorporate appropriate sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) as part of any development proposals. If this is not feasible, the Council will require evidence illustrating this.

A Flood Risk Assessment will be required for development proposals within or adjacent to areas at risk of surface water flooding as identified in the SFRA. To further reduce the risk from surface water flooding, all new development should work towards mimicking greenfield run-off situations. Proposals which relate specifically to reducing the risk of flooding (e.g. defence/ alleviation work) will be supported so long as they do not conflict with other objectives of the Core Strategy for example, those relating to landscape and townscape character.

In areas at risk of flooding, proposals (including flood compensation proposals) with implications for biodiversity will be carefully considered for all levels of ecological designation. Where the development proposals are demonstrated to adversely affect an SPA, SAC or RAMSAR site, permission will not be granted.

All development, particularly on brownfield land, should seek to remediate contaminated land to ensure that risk to water quality as a result of development is minimised.

For more information please see the Core Strategy