Recommendation 21

HM Government · verbatim extract Acknowledged

The Government recognises the potential impact of cumulative impacts from development and that these need to be carefully managed. Paragraph 169 of the National Planning Policy Framework18 sets out that plans should apply a sequential, risk-based approach to determining the suitability of land for development in flood risk areas and avoid, where possible, flood risk to and from new development. Where flood risk cannot be avoided, plans should ensure development is safe, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and appropriate mitigation measures are in place. This is supported by planning practice guidance.19 Planning Practice Guidance20 makes it clear that Flood Risk Assessments should assess the impact of the proposed development on surface water run-off, taking into account predicted climate change impacts, and demonstrate appropriate measures to manage or mitigate any increased run-off resulting from the proposed development. Local planning authorities are expected to take this into account when determining planning applications. The Government’s planning reforms will simplify and modernise the planning system by making use of digital technology and streamlining the planning application process. This will free up local planning authority resources, enabling them to focus on the complex planning applications, including those in areas at high flood risk, that could have a cumulative impact. As part of the Government’s planning reforms, it will standardise technical supporting information, including flood risk, with clear national data standards and templates developed in conjunction with statutory consultees. The Government will also consider whether the content should become more focused to reflect its proposals for local plans, as well as the opportunities which digital tools and data offer to support their development and improve accessibility.