Reservoir Flood Risk - Policy Rationale

The aim of this policy is to minimise potential flood risk for developments in close proximity to controlled reservoirs. This aim has taken account of and is consistent with the provisions of the SPPS. Controlled reservoirs (or dams as they are often referred to) are water impounding structures designed to hold in excess of 10,000m3 of water above the natural level of the surrounding land. These reservoirs constitute a potential source of flood risk that can have serious consequences due to flooding of downstream areas, within what is known as the area of inundation. This may ensue if the structure fails or is overtopped or it may also arise from the controlled release of water from the reservoir, which is necessary to avoid capacity exceedance and overtopping. In any of these circumstances, there is potential for rapid inundation of downstream areas and response times to flooding are likely to be short. As there are a number of controlled reservoirs within the Borough, the Council will seek to manage development within inundation areas downstream of controlled reservoirs.