SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 61·Figure 1

Exceptions to General Presumption Against Development in Flood Plains - Undefended Areas

Certain categories of development are acceptable in undefended flood plain areas, including replacement buildings, agricultural and utility infrastructure, water-compatible uses, recreation, and mineral extraction.

Undefended Areas • replacement of an existing building; • development for agricultural use, transport and utilities infrastructure, which for operational reasons has to be located in the flood plain; • water compatible development, such as for boating purposes, navigation and water based recreational use, which for operational reasons has to be located in the flood plain; • the use of land for sport or outdoor recreation, amenity open space or for nature conservation purposes, including ancillary buildings; • the extraction of mineral deposits and necessary ancillary development.

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