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The Exceptions Test is included (if needed) in our standard
Flood Risk Assessment
report. Please
contact us for a quotation. Our methods
meets with near 100% acceptance.
The Exception Test provides a method
of managing flood risk while still allowing necessary development to
occur. The Exception Test is only appropriate for use when there are
large areas in Flood Zones 2 and 3, “where the Sequential Test alone
cannot deliver acceptable sites, but where some continuing development
is necessary for wider sustainable development reasons, taking into
account the need to avoid social or economic blight”.
The exceptions test should not be seen as a tick box exercise there are opportunities within the test the show that you have thought about how your project will perform in a flood, and how it might help the area it is situated within. As with the Sequential Test the Exceptions Test can make or break a planning application.
Image: Alan Bowring / Usk in full flood, via Wikimedia Commons
Use of Brownfield Land |
Wider Sustainability Benefits |
Exceptions Test & Minor Developments |
Flood Safety |
New Page:
Sequential Test |
a. It must be demonstrated that the development provides wider sustainability benefits to the community that outweigh flood risk, informed by a SFRA where one has been prepared.
b. The development should be on developable previously-developed land or, if it is not on previously developed land, that there are no reasonable alternative sites on developable previously-developed land; and
c. A FRA must demonstrate that the development will be safe, without increasing flood
Please feel free to contact the office for an informal discussion regarding your requirements.
In practice the exceptions test relates to larger 5 home plus developments, where meaning sustainability measures can be incorporated that will provide "wider" benefits. However, it is generally the case that even a small single unit development the exception test will have to be carried out. Carrying out the exceptions to in the right manner can make or break an application.
The exceptions test for a small site would be conducted as follows.
Wider Sustainability Benefits - "The proposed development increases housing density in the area, which will lead to a reduction in transport related emissions. The development will exceed statutory minima with regards to energy efficiency. In line with the code for sustainable homes provisions are made for home working with a study / office area being provided for each dwelling, again potentially reducing transport related emissions".
If you site is previously developed, which would normally include a back garden then this element of the se2untial test can be deemed as passed.
a) have an adverse effect on a watercourse, floodplain or its flood defenses;
b) would impede access to flood defense and management facilities; or
c) where the cumulative impact of such developments would have a significant
effect on local flood
storage capacity or flood flows.
If it is believed that none of the above will be affected by a development then
you may not need to carry out the exceptions or sequential test.