Comment

Representation ID: 22222

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Environment Agency (Eastern Region)

The areas adjacent to the river of this site allocation are Flood Zone 3, and our modelling shows that the majority of these areas are also Flood Zone 3b Functional Floodplain, with an annual probability of flooding of 5% (1 in 20) and classed as ‘land where water needs to flow and be stored in times of flood’. As a country park would be classed as ‘water compatible’ development under ‘Amenity open space, nature conservation and biodiversity’ then this would be an acceptable land use within the flood zones, including Flood Zone 3b, providing that it is designed to: ‘remain operational and safe for users in times of flood; result in no net loss of floodplain storage; and not impede water flows and not increase flood risk elsewhere’. Therefore it would be preferable if any associated built development is located within Flood Zone 1, and all development within the flood zones meets the above requirements.