Environmental problems Flooding for business and land owners

New development and flood risk

Although flooding cannot be controlled entirely, its impacts can be avoided and reduced through good planning and management. The effects of weather events can be increased in severity both as a consequence of decisions about the location, design and nature of development and land use, and has a potential consequence of future climate change.

The National Planning Policy Framework and associated Technical Guidance sets out the requirements for considering flood risk of new developments as part of the planning approval process.

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) produced with Salford City Council and Trafford Council, provides a good starting point for developers in understanding flood risk in Manchester. The Environment Agency Flood map provides the most up-to-date modelled flood risk information. 

New developments will no longer automatically be allowed to connect to surface water or combined public sewers. In order to manage surface water, developers are encouraged to implement sustainable drainage into new development.

The management of surface water should be demonstrated as part of the Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment ensuring the proposed drainage system will reduce flood risk to the site itself and elsewhere, taking climate change into account.

We ensure that surface water drainage proposals on new developments meet the criteria laid down in guidance from Government, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and Greater Manchester policies.

You need to have consent from us if you propose to connect surface water to the watercourse that is not classified as main river or intend to make any alteration of that watercourse as part of your development.

If you have a specific development enquiry, contact the Planning team.

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