The Environment Agency can now make the following comments, in addition to our earlier correspondence dated 19 April 2013 relating to your Sites and Policies Plan.

A sequential risk based approach will need to be demonstrated. We note that there are a number of sites that are impacted by flood zones 2 and 3. You will need to justify why this is necessary within your plan i.e. you will need to show that the proposal can pass the Sequential and Exception Tests, which would consider need as part of the equation.

All sites within Flood Zones 2 and 3 will need to include a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). The FRA’s will need to demonstrate that the development will be safe for the lifetime of development, inclusive of climate change, without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible reducing flood risk overall.

The Lead Local Flood Authority should be consulted in relation to surface water drainage issues, as well as the Internal Drainage Board in their areas.

All development (residential and commercial) should be in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and North Somerset Council’s Development Plan.