Supplementary planning documents (SPDs)

Environment Agency's New Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) template and guidance: 
To help improve the quality of FRAs, the Environment Agency has produced a new template and supporting guidance which applicants are encouraged to use. From 27 August, the documents will be available on the Planning Portal.

A significant proportion of the borough is located within areas at risk of river flooding associated with the Thames, Mole, Dead River, Rythe and Wey. 

The borough is also affected by flooding from other sources, including surface water, groundwater, sewers and reservoirs. The pressure for development is high and it's important that the implications of flood risk are taken into account. 

The Flood Risk SPD aims to ensure that where possible development is directed to areas of lowest flood risk. Where development takes place in areas at risk of flooding, the SPD seeks to ensure that development: 

• is safe 
• does not increase flood risk elsewhere 
• where possible reduces flood risk overall 

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 enough information is provided to support an application. 

The SPD doesn't set new requirements for validation or policy. It has been prepared to assist in the implementation of Core Strategy policy CS26 (Flooding) and the submission of Flood Risk Assessments. The guidance will help applicants to: 

• understand how flood risk is dealt with as part of the planning process 
• identify the flood risk to a property or site 
• consider whether the proposed development is appropriate 
• determine if a Flood Risk Assessment is required 
• access the various pre-application services available 
• complete the appropriate Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) proforma and prepare a fit for purpose FRA 
• submit a valid planning application 
• outline which organisations the council will consult with 
• determine if any other consents are required 

The Flood Risk SPD was adopted by the Council on 3 May 2016.  

Supporting documents 

The user guide assists applicants and agents in preparing a Flood Risk Assessment in support of householder extensions in Flood Zone 2 or householder applications in areas of medium to high surface water flood risk:

If applicants don't provide a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), and where appropriate sequential and exception tests, it is likely to result in delays to the consideration of applications and potential refusal of planning permission. 

A completed FRA does not automatically mean that the development is acceptable in flood risk terms.