Local planning policies and decisions on planning applications relating to developments of 10 dwellings or more will have to ensure that sustainable drainage systems for the management of run-off are put in place.
In a joint announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency, council and planning departments have been clear guidance on provisioning for the controlling of water run off during the planning stage of larger building projects.
Eric Pickles MP said: "Under these arrangements, in considering planning applications local planning authorities should consult the relevant lead local flood authority on the management of surface water; satisfy themselves that the proposed minimum standards of operation are appropriate and ensure through the use of planning conditions or planning obligations that there are clear arrangements in place for ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of the development.
"The sustainable drainage system should be designed to ensure that the maintenance and operation requirements are economically proportionate."
To protect the public, whilst avoiding excessive burdens on business, this policy will apply to all developments of 10 homes or more and to major commercial development. The government will keep this under review and consider the need to make adjustments where necessary.
The current requirement in national policy that all new developments in areas at risk of flooding should give priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems will continue to apply.
These changes will take effect from 6 April, 2015.
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