Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD

The Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD was adopted by Full Council on 15 December 2016.  This SPD provides guidance for developers and applicants on managing flood risk and protecting the water environment in and around new developments. It supports and expands upon the flood risk and water management policies set out in the adopted and emerging Local Plans across Cambridgeshire. This includes Policy LP14 - Responding to Climate Change and Managing the Risk of Flooding, from the Fenland Local Plan 2014.

The SPD was prepared by Cambridgeshire County Council, in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority, in partnership with Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, and local Internal Drainage Boards.

Although the Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD remains a material consideration in the planning process, applicants should ensure it is read alongside the most recent national policy and guidance, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and relevant sections of the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). These national documents may include updated requirements on flood risk management and water environment issues.

Flood Risk Sequential Test - Area of Search Guidance

The Sequential Test is a national policy requirement for certain forms of development in areas at risk of flooding. Its purpose is to steer new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding.

Applicants must define and justify an appropriate area of search when preparing the Sequential Test. The extent of this area will depend on the location and role of the settlement, as well as the type and scale of development proposed:

• For developments within or adjacent to Market Towns and Growth Villages, the area of search will normally be limited to land within or adjacent to the settlement in which the development is proposed.
• For all other locations — including Limited Growth, Small and Other Villages, or Elsewhere Locations — the area of search will normally be expected to be district-wide.

To pass the Sequential Test, applicants must demonstrate that there are no reasonably available sites, within the defined search area, with a lower probability of flooding that could accommodate the proposed development. A poorly defined or unjustified area of search may result in the Sequential Test being considered invalid.