A significant proportion of the Borough is located within areas at risk of river flooding associated with a number of different watercourses including the Thames, Mole, Dead River, Rythe and Wey. It is also affected by more localised flooding from surface water generated by heavy rainfall, elevated groundwater, existing drainage systems as well as artificial sources including several reservoirs.
The pressure for development is high and it is important that the implications of flood risk are taken into account.
About the Flood Risk SPD
The Flood Risk Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) aims to ensure that where possible development is directed to areas of lowest flood risk but will seek to ensure that where development does take place in areas at risk of flooding that:
The SPD is designed mainly as a practical tool to assist applicants in preparing Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) to accompany planning applications to ensure that sufficient information is provided to support an application.
Please note that the SPD does not set new requirements for validation or policy, rather has been prepared to assist in the implementation of Core Strategy policy CS26 (Flooding) and the submission of Flood Risk Assessments. Specifically, the guidance will help applicants to:
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Understand how flood risk is dealt with as part of the planning process.
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Identify the flood risk to a property or site.
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Consider whether the proposed development is appropriate.
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Determine if a FRA is required.
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Access the various pre-application services available.
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Complete the appropriate FRA proforma and prepare a fit for purpose FRA.
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Submit a valid planning application.
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Outline which organisations the Council will consult with.
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Determine if any other consents are required.
Further information on flood risk
The Council has produced a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) which brings together various sources of information to provide a comprehensive overview of flood risk in Elmbridge. To find out if a site is at risk of flooding applicants can:
More detailed information on the degree of flooding (such as predicted depths and likely hazard) can be obtained from the Environment Agency. Applicants will need to refer to this as a Product 4 request. This information is free for householders but developers will be charged. Other detailed information is also available from the Environment Agency (see Section 3.2 of SPD for more information).
The SPD and supporting documents
The Flood Risk SPD was adopted by the Council on 3 May 2016. You can download and view documents below:
Flood Risk SPD
FRA Proforma for Major Development Schemes
FRA template for small scale development, including householder extensions
FRA Explanatory Note
Supporting Documents:
Adoption Statement
Consultation Statement
To assist applicants and agents in preparing a FRA in support of householder extensions in Flood Zone 2 or household applications in areas of medium to high surface water flood risk a user guide has been produced:
FRA User Guide
Failure to provide a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and where appropriate Sequential and Exceptions Tests, are likely to result in delays in the consideration of applications and potential refusal of planning permission
Please note the completion of an FRA will not automatically mean that the development is acceptable in flood risk terms.
