Update to NPPF PPG - Flood Risk & Coastal Change Guidance
In August 2022, the Government published a significant refresh to their Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) in relation to Flood Risk and Coastal Change.
The changes brought the PPG in line with changes introduced in 2018 and 2021 to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Key changes include the following:
- The definition of functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3b) has changed from the 1:20 year (5%) AEP event to the 1:30 year (3.33%) AEP event;
- A new emphasis requiring the demonstration of the safe management of post-development surface water flood flow routes where they have been modified to facilitate development;
- The definition of development lifetime when applying flood risk policies;
- The addition of a new category of development (‘non major’) to distinguish between ‘minor’ development (householder extensions) and development of up to 10 dwellings;
- Enhanced guidance with respect to the Exception Test;
- Clarity on requirements for the use of multifunctional SuDS in developments; and,
- Increased promotion of Natural Flood Management (NFM) in new developments.
Cole Easdon can provide a range of services for your development including Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Drainage Strategies and Fluvial or Pluvial Flood Risk Modelling.