Comment

Representation ID: 64866

Received: 12/05/2014

Respondent: Environment Agency

The Environment Agency concurs with the approach of steering sites away from flood risk areas. Also concerned that sites are able to manage foul drainage sustainably.

A precautionary approach must be adopted, even for sites with planning permission and the NPPF requires a sequential approach with regard to determining suitable locations against flood risk.

Permanent caravans are highly vulnerable to the effects of flooding and are only appropriate in the lowest flood risk areas (Zone 1) or Zone 2 if the Exceptions Test is applied. Sites in Zone 3 would be contrary to national policy.

Additional work will be required for any sites close to a flood plain.

The preferred option should be sites that allow foul waters to drain to the public main foul sewer. Non-mains drainage options should pose the minimum level of risk of pollution. Package treatment plants (owned and managed by the Council) will be necessary for non-main drainage sites.