The role of the local planning authority
The local planning authority will determine the application and will need to be satisfied that:
- any proposals meet national and local policies
- any proposals clearly identify who will be responsible for maintaining the sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and funding for maintenance should be fair for householders and premises occupiers
- minimum standards are set out to which the SuDS must be maintained
The local planning authority has a local list for the validation of planning applications.
Pre-applications
We (Bracknell Forest Council), being the local planning authority (LPA) and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), encourage the use of pre-application discussions to make sure that any planning application can be determined as smoothly as possible.
Information to include in planning applications
The document below outlines the surface water drainage and flood risk information needed for planning applications for major and minor developments.
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To make sure that we can determine an application in a timely manner and fulfil our role as the LLFA, sufficient drainage information must be submitted in support of an application.
Validation of application
So we can determine your application, you must include:
- major applications - a sustainable drainage strategy and flood risk assessment (if needed)
- minor applications - sufficient information as outlined in the Flood Risk Management and Sustainable Drainage Strategy Information
The specific details required for the drainage strategy will depend on the type of application.
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Document
Checklist
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This list requires a submission of a drainage strategy for all major applications and other information for some minor applications.
The detailed requirements for the drainage strategy will vary depending upon the type of application.
Flood risk sequential test and exception test
The revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in July 2021 included changes which have an impact on the application of the sequential test, as it applies to flood risk.
Before the change, Flood Zones, which define fluvial and coastal flood risk, provided the basis for applying the test.
The change effected by the 2021 version of the NPPF requires:
- the use of the sequential test to steer new development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding from any source
- the strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA) provides the basis of applying the test
It is now necessary to apply the sequential test to a wider range of planning applications. This includes development within Flood Zone 1, where the site is at risk of flooding from any source. This source includes surface or ground water flooding.
We have prepared the attached advice note. This explains how the sequential test and exception test apply within Bracknell Forest.
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Waste water drainage
The sewer system in the borough is struggling, especially during peak times. This is causing sewage to be discharged into local water bodies. To fix this, major upgrades are planned over the next few years.
This guide is for developers. It explains what steps they need to take to make sure there is enough sewer capacity for their projects to proceed smoothly. Developers should also refer to our sustainable drainage information (PDF, 205kb).
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