This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Flood risk and planning
25/03/2003
Draft planning policy aimed at reducing flood risks was
issued for consultation today.
Once agreed, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 7 will
replace the existing policy which dates back to 1995.
Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said:
"The recent spate of floods devastated communities
across Scotland and many people are still recovering from
the damage to their property and possessions.
"Too many homes are at risk of being flooded and climate
change is predicted to worsen the situation. I want to
ensure that further development is not put at significant
risk from flooding and does not add to flooding problems
elsewhere.
"I know that planning issues are often complex and very
difficult decisions have to be made. That is why flooding
problems should be identified as early as possible in the
planning process and taken into account so that sufficient
land is allocated for housing and other development.
"Fortunately, in the last few years, many organisations
including planning authorities and developers have gained a
lot of experience in minimising flood risk. I am issuing
this consultation draft to tap that expertise before the
policy is finalised, so that new development and the people
who occupy it can be safeguarded from the devastating
effects of flooding."
The draft SPP7 will be circulated widely to councils and
agencies such as Scottish Water and the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency. The consultation will end on
25 July 2003.
The consultative draft of SPP7 has been developed with
the help of an advisory group that includes the Convention
of Scottish Local Authorities, Homes for Scotland, The
Royal Town Planning Institute, the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency and Scottish Water.
The consultative draft of SPP7 identifies that proposed
development with a 0.5 per cent (1:200) or greater
probability of being flooded in any year should be
considered as high risk for planning purposes and it will
seek comments on this aspect.
A Planning Advice Note is also being prepared which will
provide further information and best practice advice. It
will deal with planning and building standards, which both
have a role in safeguarding buildings against the effects
of floods.