Local Requirements - Flood Risk Sequential Test Evidence

Types of application or development that require this information

• All developments within flood zones 2 and 3

Excluding proposals for:

• Minor development with a footprint of less than 250 square metres and alterations that do not increase the building footprint and
• Changes of use (except for caravans, camping sites, camping chalets, mobile homes and park home sites)

What information is required?

The name and location of the site you’re proposing for development and an explanation of why you chose that specific site.

Evidence that a proposal can pass the Sequential Test should be submitted.

The Sequential Test should compare the site you’re proposing to develop with other available sites to find out which has the lowest flood risk.

If there are other available alternative sites at a lower probability of flooding that could accommodate the proposed development, then the Sequential Test will be failed and a Flood Risk Assessment would be irrelevant.

If the Sequential Test, shows that it is not possible to use an alternative site, an

Exception Test is then required if the development’s flood risk vulnerability classification is:

• ‘Highly vulnerable’ in flood zone 2
• ‘Essential infrastructure’ in flood zone 3a and 3b
• ‘More vulnerable’ in flood zone 3a

The Exception Test should show how flood risk will be managed on and off the site. It will also need to show that the sustainability benefits of the development to the community outweigh the flood risk and that the development will be safe for its lifetime taking into account the vulnerability of its users and that it won’t increase flood risk elsewhere.

Evidence that the Exception Test requirements have been satisfied should be submitted with the Sequential Test, Food Risk Assessment and planning application.

Further information

• Find out what flood zone you’re in
• Flood Risk Assessments – the sequential test for applicants
• The exception test

Policy driver

• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 14: Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change
• National Planning Policy Framework - Annex 3: Flood risk vulnerability classification
• National Planning Practice Guidance: Flood risk and coastal change
• Core Strategy - Policy EN7: Flood Risk