Planning Response Form
DCC REFERENCE:
AMENDED STANDING ADVICE
DCC CONTACT:
Flood Risk Management Team
DATE
11/02/2015
PLANNING REFERENCE
15/00006/OUT
SURFACE WATER:
The Flood Risk Management Team have reviewed the predictive surface water modelling which
suggests the site is unlikely to be subject to surface water flooding during a 1 in 100 year return
period. It must be noted that this data is purely predictive and cannot be fully relied upon.
DCC strongly promote Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to be incorporated within the design of
a drainage strategy for any proposed development, applying the SuDS management train. The
applicant is advised to contact the DCC Flood Team should any guidance on the drainage strategy
for the proposed development be required. DCC encourages that site surface water drainage is
designed in line with the current draft National SuDS Standards, including restricting developed
discharge of surface water to greenfield runoff rates making suitable allowances for climate change
and urban creep, managing surface water as close to the surface as possible and prioritising
infiltration as a means of surface water disposal where possible. Regardless of the site’s status as
greenfield or brownfield land, DCC encourages that surface water discharge from the developed site
should be as close to the greenfield runoff rate as is reasonably practicable. Prior to designing the
site surface water drainage, a full ground investigation should be implemented to fully explore the
option of ground infiltration to manage the surface water in preference to discharging to a surface
water body or public sewer system. DCC also strongly encourage that the developer should take
into account designing drainage systems for exceedence working with the natural topography for
the site.
FLUVIAL DATA (ORDINARY WATERCOURSE AND MAIN RIVER WHERE APPLICABLE):
DCC do not generally undertake or hold any data relating to modelling on specific ordinary
watercourses. The applicant is advised to contact the Environment Agency (EA) who hold modelling
data for Main Rivers and some ordinary watercourses.
DCC strongly advise that prior to any development that land is checked/investigated for any
watercourses/drainage features that may be present/hidden within the developable land.
DCC hold information pertaining to old/hidden watercourses across Derbyshire. Developers can
obtain this information from DCC by logging an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request
with DCC.
HISTORICAL DATA:
The Flood Risk Management Team has reviewed the data they hold pertaining to historical flooding
and there have been no incidences within a close proximity to the proposed site.
GROUNDWATER DATA:
Development located in areas where the water table is at a shallow depth below the ground surface
may be susceptible to groundwater flooding. In such areas, development may lead to groundwater
flooding at the development site and in the close vicinity as well as potential land instability,
geohazards and groundwater contamination.
Development site drainage should be considered carefully to avoid any increased risks associated
with groundwater. DCC would not recommend infiltration as a means of development site surface
water disposal in areas where geohazards or ground instability is deemed likely without appropriate
analysis of the risks involved. Infiltration of surface water to the ground is also not advised in
sensitive groundwater areas without an appropriate SuDS management train.
It is recommended that a site specific ground investigation is undertaken for the site to ascertain
the water conditions on the proposed development site.
WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE/WATER ENVIRONMENT DATA:
Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), all water bodies should reach ‘good ecological status’
by 2015. No activities or works, including the proposed development, should deteriorate the status
of any nearby watercourse as the main objectives for the WFD is to prevent deterioration in ‘status’
for all waterbodies. The ecological health of any receiving watercourse can be protected by the
implementation of a SuDS scheme with an appropriate number of treatment stages that are
appropriately maintained. Current WFD ecological status of all assessed water bodies is available on
the EA website.
DCC recommends that where there is any potential for the existing habitat of protected species (for
example great crested newt, native white clawed crayfish, water vole, bats or otter species) on the
proposed development site, the applicant should undertake an appropriate ecological assessment
by a competent ecologist prior to starting works on site. It is an offence to undertake works which
adversely affect any legally protected species or habitat without appropriate mitigation measures in
place.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION AND COMMENTS:
Following the 2007 Pitt Review recommendation, Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management
Act (2010) designated DCC as the SuDS Approval Body (SAB). Following the enactment of this
legislation, DCC would be responsible for approving all construction with drainage implications and
adopting any approved SuDS. However, Defra released a consultation on 12th September 2014
which outlined an alternative way of delivering SuDS through amendments to existing planning
guidance. Depending on the outcome of this consultation, the SAB may not be required and Local
Planning Authorities (LPAs) may have the duty to approve SuDS systems for new developments,
with assistance from a range of consultees. This alternative solution may come into force in April
2015. DCC do not currently adopt any private SuDS schemes. As such, should a SuDS solution be
proposed for this development, it should be confirmed prior to commencement of works who the
responsible organisation for SuDS maintenance will be once the development is complete.
As of the 6th April 2012 the FWMA transposed consenting powers under the Land Drainage Act to
DCC (the LLFA). Therefore any works in or nearby to an ordinary watercourse require consent from
DCC. (e.g. an outfall that encroaches into the profile of the watercourse, etc) would require consent
under the Land Drainage Act (LDA) 1991 from the consent authoriser (Derbyshire County Council
Flood Risk Management Team). Upon receipt of any application (including the legislative fee) DCC
has an 8 week legislative period in which to make a decision and either consent or object the
proposals. If the applicant wishes to make an application for any works please contact
Flood.Team@derbyshire.gov.uk.