Sequential Tests for Flooding

Sequential Test for Flooding

If your proposed development is at risk of flooding, you are likely to be required to produce a Sequential Test for flooding. This will need to demonstrate that your development cannot be located within an area at at a lower risk of flooding.

At Cedar Planning we pride ourselves on our customer first approach, and provide an honest, no-obligation assessment of your chances of approval. Our attention to detail means we are well placed to provide you with a robust Sequential Test.

What is a Sequential Test for Flooding?

National Planning Policy requires that development is directed to areas at lowest risk of flooding. If your site is at risk of flooding, such as being within a Flood Zone, you are likely to need to demonstrate that there are no other 'reasonably available' sites for your proposed development. This includes a thorough search of sites for development and land for sale within a given search area.

When is a Sequential Test required?

A Sequential Test is needed if your site is located within Flood Zones 2 or 3, or is at risk of flooding from any other source of flooding - such as Surface Water Flooding or Groundwater Flooding.

For some smaller scale projects, you may not need a Sequential Test. Some examples where a Sequential Test for flooding is not required include:

• Sites in Flood Zone 1 (unless there are other flooding issues);

• Minor development, which is defined as householder development and small non-residential extensions (with a footprint of less than 250m2);

• Change of use, unless your development is a caravan, camping, chalet, mobile home or park home.

You may not need to conduct a Sequential Test if your site is allocated in a local plan for the type of development proposed, and it has been subject to the Sequential Test before.

What is a reasonably available site?

Reasonably available sites are defined as "sites in a suitable location for the type of development proposed. There must be a reasonable prospect that they can be developed in the same timeframe as your site".

Reasonably available sites can consist of a series of smaller sites and/or parts of a larger site.

What is the Exception Test?

If your scheme passes the Sequential Test, you will need to pass the Exception Test. In areas at highest risk of flooding, development will only be allowed if the sustainability benefits of the development outweigh the risk of flooding. You will also need to demonstrate that the development will be safe for its lifetime taking into account the vulnerability of its users and that it won't increase flood risk elsewhere.

Why Choose Cedar Planning for a Sequential Test?

We strive to put our customers first, and that's why if we think you have a low chance of success we will let you know. We think this honest, customer focused approach sets us apart from the rest.

On top of this, we have expert knowledge of the Sequential Test process. Our first stage of the process will be agreeing the suitable search parameters with your local council. After this we will provide a robust and in-depth analysis of alternative sites within a given area.

Get a Free Quote

Fill out the form below to receive a no obligation quote for our Sequential Test services.

Or alternatively, send us an email at info@cedarplanning.co.uk with the relevant information.