Policy DM 46: The Control of Development in Flood Plains

DM 46.1 The Council will not permit development within the flood plains of rivers or the sea unless one of the following exceptions apply: (a) Defended Areas: The development of previously developed land that is protected by flood defences, provided the proposed development does not fall into any of the following categories: • Essential infrastructure such as power supplies and emergency services (unless for operational reasons it has to be in the flood plain); • Development for the storage of hazardous substances; • Bespoke accommodation for vulnerable groups, such as nurseries, schools, sheltered housing and residential nursing homes; and • Any development located close to flood defences. Proposals involving the significant intensification of an existing use in defended areas will be considered on their individual merits, informed by a robust FRA. (b) Undefended Areas: • The replacement or change of use of an existing building(s) that does not involve a significant increase in the building footprint or a significant intensification of use; • Development for agricultural use, transport and utilities infrastructure which, for operational reasons, has to be located within the flood plain; • Water compatible development, such as boat moorings, navigation, water based recreational use, which for operational reasons, has to be located in the flood plain;