FLOODING
The Bradbourne site is either entirely or significantly (i.e. >=25%) within Flood Zone 3 and/or within an area with a 1 in 30 year risk of surface water flooding. Flooding regularly occurs in the vicinity of the proposed site and every time heavy rain occurs surface water runoff turns Cyril West Lane into a stream.
Many residents have recounted incidents of flooding some going back over 50 years. Future residents may find themselves unable to obtain Flood Insurance and the government initiative FloodRe does not apply to new developments which could thereby affect mortgage availability.
According to the government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), set out in paragraph 159:
“Inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be
avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk
(whether existing or future). Where development is necessary in
such areas, the development should be made safe for its lifetime
without increasing flood risk elsewhere”
Also as set out in NPPF paragraph 160:
“Strategic policies should be informed by a strategic flood risk
assessment, and should manage flood risk from all sources. They
should consider cumulative impacts in, or affecting, local areas
susceptible to flooding, and take account of advice from the
Environment Agency and other relevant flood risk management
authorities, such as lead local flood authorities and internal drainage
boards”
As set out in NPPF paragraph 161d:
‘where climate change is expected to increase flood risk so that
some existing development may not be sustainable in the long−term, seeking opportunities to relocate development, including
housing, to more sustainable locations’