SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 61·Figure 1
Exceptions to General Presumption Against Development in Flood Plains - Defended Areas
Previously developed land protected by flood defences may be acceptable for development, except for essential infrastructure, hazardous substance storage, vulnerable group accommodation, or development near flood defences.
Defended Areas
Previously developed land protected by flood defences, provided that the proposed development does not fall into any of the following categories:
• essential infrastructure such as power supply and emergency services;
• development for the storage of hazardous substances;
• bespoke accommodation for vulnerable groups, such as schools, residential/nursing homes, sheltered housing;
• any development located close to flood defences.
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