Photo by Sarah Doffman on Unsplash

The UK Government has published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which introduces a dedicated flood risk and coastal change chapter (Policies F1-F9), bringing greater visibility and structure to flood risk planning policy.

The framework introduces policy W1, which requires development plans to be informed by early engagement between planning authorities, utility providers, regulators and network operators. The policy says this engagement should take account of planned growth, changing consumption patterns and climate change, and should be used to identify and address constraints arising from current or anticipated infrastructure shortfalls.

For the water sector, this must include a clear understanding of water supply, drainage and wastewater capacity, as well as the infrastructure required to support future development.

Development plans are also expected to make provision for new or enhanced water supply, drainage and wastewater infrastructure, while avoiding development that could constrain the operation or future expansion of existing networks.

Water Magazine’s coverage also highlights a new policy on water infrastructure, W4, which gives substantial weight to proposals that increase capacity to support planned development, strengthen security of supply for existing users, improve water quality and reduce water-borne pollution.

According to these reports, the framework also retains the ability for local authorities to set water-efficiency standards for new development where justified by local circumstances and pressure on water supplies. This comes as England faces increasing pressure on water resources and the Government seeks to accelerate housing delivery.

Water Magazine also notes that flood risk and drainage were given greater prominence in the revised NPPF. Policy F8 requires development proposals with drainage implications to incorporate sustainable drainage systems, with SuDS designed in accordance with the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Major developments must also take account of advice from the Lead Local Flood Authority.

The policy emphasises development should not enclose existing watercourses unless there are compelling reasons, while encouraging the removal of culverts and restoration of natural river channels where possible.