Precautionary approach to flood risk in development plans

Development Plans will apply a precautionary approach to development in areas that may be subject to flood risk presently or in the future as a result of climate change predictions. Consequently, development plans will not bring forward sites or zone land that may be susceptible to flooding, or that would increase the likelihood of flooding elsewhere, now or in the future, unless in exceptional circumstances. Where, exceptionally, a new plan brings forward such a site, it will explain the rationale and set out the measures necessary to manage or mitigate the risk.