Recent updates made to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have led to debate within the flood risk sector about how to balance a need for development with the need to protect housing from flooding. As The Flood Guy has recently advocated at FloodEx 2024 The Importance of Flood Planning in New Developments | FloodEx 2024 | Simon Crowther. The main reason behind the changes to the NPPF is to accelerate development and economic growth charting the new Government’s stance to support “builders not blockers”.
The main changes to the NPPF include:
· The introduction of mandatory housing targets for Councils to meet local housing needs and encourage swifter housebuilding.
· A requirement for authorities to demonstrate land supply for their 5-year housing pipeline.
· Stronger action is to be taken to ensure councils have up to date Local Plans.
· The grey belt policy* – A revised definition which will guarantee a consistent approach in utilising previously developed land within the green belt, including a review of green belt boundaries.
· Local planning authorities will be allowed to set their own Golden Rules for affordable housing through their Local Plans but must follow strict conditions to meet local infrastructure needs as well as social and affordable housing.
*Further guidance on the grey belt policy and the approach towards the green belt is noted to be released in January 2025.
The main issue from a flood risk perspective is the increased need for housing putting pressure on areas at risk of flooding such as areas within the floodplain. In addition to the increased pressure on Local Authorities and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) who will require additional resources in order to adapt to the increased speed at which developments are coming forward through the planning process.
There is however some good news in that the requirement for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to only be delivered for ‘Major Developments’ has been dissolved, which means SuDS should now be considered for all levels of planning application. However, the requirement for the LLFA to check applications to ensure that standards are followed and that there are provisions for maintenance in place still is only required for ‘Major Developments’. Given the cost and resource implications that the expansion of checks will have, it is unlikely that there will be sufficient resource or funds to support LLFAs in performing this duty.
The previous government committed to enacting Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (FWMA) however the new Government appear to view this as a blocker to new development rather than the safeguard it is to ensure there is the appropriate operation and maintenance of SuDS within developments.
It is important to find the right balance between meeting the demand for housing and ensuring that these homes are built sustainably and are protected for future generations. The increasing political pressure to speed up development should go hand in hand with accelerating climate resilience, yet this still seems to be viewed as a hinderance.
At FPS we pride ourselves on working sustainably to support the right development. If you are in need of any planning advice on flood risk for a development, contact us now and see what we can do for you.
Written by Lauren Barraclough, Flood Risk Consultant, BSc (Hons) MCIWEM