Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) Preferred Approach 2015

Comment

Representation ID: 2419

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

Strategic Planning Context
We are pleased that Flood Risk Management and Sustainable Drainage is included within the Context and Issues for the Southend Central Area, and in particular, that reference is made to the key challenge of addressing climate change. This section discusses the risk of tidal flooding to the Borough, although it should be noticed that there are other sources of flood risk which will need to be considered too.

Support

Representation ID: 2420

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

Paragraph 105 - We are pleased to note reference is made here to the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and emerging Surface Water Management Plan, which clearly form a key part of your evidence base.

Comment

Representation ID: 2421

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

Paragraph 116 - With regards to surface water management, we wish to remind you that, whether or not the receiving water body is a main river, the Environment Agency is no longer the statutory consultee in the planning process. All surface water management scheme proposals and their associated discharge rates must therefore be approved by Southend Borough Council in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority.

Comment

Representation ID: 2422

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

We consider that further clarity could be provided within this policy. Our suggested changes are as follows
1 a. Will be accompanied by a flood risk assessment that considers all sources of flooding.
1 c. i. For more vulnerable uses, the floor levels of habitable rooms will be above the design flood level, with an allowance for climate change. Within Flood Zone 3 the floor level must be situated above the design flood level with climate change, incorporating an allowance of at least 300mm for freeboard.
(This is to ensure it is clear that floors must be set above the 1 in 200 annual probability event level plus climate change).

Support

Representation ID: 2423

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

We are very supportive of this policy. Point 5, in particular, is very positive, as it recognises the opportunity that new development provides for integrating tidal defences into the public realm.

Comment

Representation ID: 2424

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

Point 7 could potentially be strengthened by allowing development south of the sea wall only by exception and where the proposed land use is deemed to be 'water compatible' as defined in the Planning Practice Guidance.

Support

Representation ID: 2425

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

We are supportive of this policy which seeks to relieve pressures on the seafront area. We support the idea of drawing people to the waterfront, especially where it may help to raise awareness of the ecosystems and their importance, provided the sensitive areas themselves are protected.

Support

Representation ID: 2426

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Environment Agency

We support this policy which seeks to integrate tourism activities and recreation with the public realm and biodiversity features. We are particularly supportive of Point 2, which seems to prevent any impacts on biodiversity or flood risk.