How does the Council decide on new development in flood risk areas?
The
Blackpool Local Plan guides development decisions of the Council. The Local Plan policy which deals with flood risk (Policy NE10) states that:
"
Flood Risk Development in areas at risk from flooding (including tidal inundation) will only be permitted where appropriate flood alleviation measures already exist or are provided by the developer. Developments will not be permitted which would increase run-off that would overload storm drains or watercourses. Sustainable drainage systems will be used in new developments unless it can be demonstrated to the Council’s satisfaction that such a scheme is impractical.It is essential to ensure that new development will not be liable to or increase the risk of flooding. Government Guidance requires local planning authorities to adopt a risk based sequential approach to proposals for development taking account of the area liable to flooding, its likelihood and extent. In accordance with PPG25 (Development and Flood Risk) applications in areas at risk of flooding should be accompanied by an appropriate flood risk assessment.
The watercourses in Blackpool are incapable of accepting any increase in surface water and it therefore needs to be ensured that any new development is drained in accordance with PPG25 guidance. There have been longstanding drainage constraints on the Moss. In the north of the Borough, despite earlier improvements, there has been storm water flooding in residential areas.
All built development increases flood risk by preventing water from soaking into the ground and thus increasing run off. New developments will be permitted where there is adequate drainage capacity and should seek to minimise surface water run-off."
For further information on Development and Flood Risk
please follow this link to the Environment Agency website and Flood Risk Standing Advice
please follow this link to the Environment Agency website.