Comment

Representation ID: 22195

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Environment Agency (Eastern Region)

Wymondham area site allocations
Site allocations around Wymondham (GNLP2168, GNLP0525R, GNLP3013, GNLP0006, GNLP0515, GNLP1055) are all in the headwaters of the River Tiffey and its tributaries, the land allocations are adjacent to the streams. The Tiffey is a chalk stream NERC s41 habitat of conservation importance. We are currently working on several projects to improve the River Tiffey to good WFD status e.g. fish passage and habitat restoration. The developments must not compromise this. There must be a buffer between developed land (including gardens) and the river of 20 metres. A WFD compliance assessment must be undertaken to assess the impacts on the water environment, including but not limited to water quality of run off. We would welcome partnership working opportunities from any development to improve riparian habitats via Broadland Catchment Partnership (NPPF 174).

GNLP1055
There are a couple of ordinary watercourses running through the site with small flood zones associated with them. The flood zones are JFlow so are not accurately modelled. The development must be sequentially sited to avoid developing within these small strips of flood zones adjacent to the watercourses, and the flood zones must be left open for flood storage. If any development was to be located within these flood zones then the river will need to be accurately modelled to determine the precise flood outlines and flood levels. The development will then need to be designed to be safe and not increase flood risk elsewhere, as detailed previously. This should also be mentioned within the site allocation.