Areas of Flood Risk

Bourne Leisure notes that paragraph 5.23 refers to flooding being a key issue within parts of Western area and specifically identifies that flood zones 2 and 3 encompass areas along Combe Haven between Pebsham and the Combe Haven Holiday Park. Paragraph 5.23 continues that development in these areas will need to demonstrate how flood risk has been addressed in accordance with Policy SC7, through the application of the sequential and exception tests where necessary, and the submission of detailed flood risk assessments.

Whilst Bourne Leisure accepts in principle the need for risk-based sequential and exception tests to be undertaken, the Company considers that paragraph 5.23 should be amended to state that full account will also be taken of: the specific characteristics and vulnerability of any existing or proposed land use; whether the residual risks of flooding to people and property are acceptable and can be satisfactorily managed; and whether the proposed development makes a positive contribution to reducing or managing flood risk.

The Company considers that this approach would be more effective, given the aims at paragraph 5.9 and within Policy FA1 to increase housing, employment and tourism in the area.