SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 59·6.106
Development in River and Coastal Flood Plains
Development in flood plains should be avoided where possible as they store and convey flood water during flood events. Piecemeal reduction of flood plains undermines their functionality and increases flood risk both at the site and elsewhere.
Flood plains store and convey flood water during flood events. These functions are important in the wider flood management system. Development in flood plains should be avoided where possible, not only because of the high flood risk and the increased risk of flooding elsewhere, but also because piecemeal reduction of the flood plains will gradually undermine their functionality.
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