Introduction
Flooding is a natural phenomenon which cannot entirely be prevented particularly in those areas close to watercourses, the sea, where groundwater is a problem, or with inadequate drainage. The effects of flooding can be devastating upon people, health properties and businesses. Well considered and effective planning can help to reduce risk and impacts.
Policy Aims
Scottish Planning Policy sets the current planning policy on flooding. It requires planning authorities to take the probability of flooding from all sources - (coastal, fluvial (water course), pluvial (surface water), groundwater, sewers and blocked culverts) and the risks involved into account when preparing development plans and determining planning applications. Prospective developers should take flood risk into account before committing themselves to a site or projects.
The key aims of Scottish Planning Policy in relation to flooding are to prevent:
- Developments which would be at significant risk of being affected by flooding;
- Developments which would increase the probability of flooding elsewhere.
- to provide a basis for planning decision making related to flood risk, the SPP provides a risk framework which divides flood risk into three categories and outlines an appropriate planning response.
Publications
Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 - includes the duty paced upon Scottish Ministers, SEPA, local authorities, Scottish Water and other responsible authorities to exercise their functions with a view to managing and reducing flood risk and to promote sustainable flood risk management.
Planning Advice Note 69 - contains good practice advice on planning and building standards in areas where there is a risk of flooding. It is the Government's intention to update this PAN.
Latest
The Scottish Government has commenced work on a consolidated PAN to replace PAN 61 on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, PAN 69 on Flooding and PAN 79 on Water and Drainage. In taking forward the consolidated PAN we will work closely with key stakeholders. If you wish to discuss the consolidated PAN in more detail, please contact Simon Pallant by e-mail or by telephoning 0131 244 7761
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