To create sustainable communities there are three main water related issues - these are water resources/ supply, waste water infrastructure and flood risk management.
The Floods and Water Management Act 2010 and PPS 25 required local authorities to produce and implement a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP), Water Cycle Study (WCS), and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. The outcomes of all three water studies have informed the policies and supporting text in the draft One Core Strategy and reference to each is made as a material consideration.
The SWMP and WCS are being overseen by a Steering Group which comprises representatives of the following organisations:
The purpose of the SWMP is to further the work undertaken by the SFRA by examining in greater detail surface water within the authorities and how this can be managed
The SWMP will:
The SWMP is essentially divided into 3 stages, ‘Scoping’ of issues (completed 2009) assessment of ‘Strategic Sites’ (on going) and ‘City/ Borough Wide’ assessment (commenced March 2011).
Scoping has been completed; this also involved producing an Engagement Plan to accompany the SWMP setting on when and how stakeholders will be involved.
13 ‘strategic sites’ (these are sites that are considered key sites for regeneration and meeting the Council’s growth aspirations and commitments) across Newcastle and Gateshead have been subject to a risk assessed. The outputs of these have informed Options for potential measures to manage the risk of surface water flooding at these sites.
In line with the SWMP Engagement Plan a workshop was held on the 17 March 2011 at Gateshead Civic Centre which consulted stakeholders with an interest in the Strategic Sites on the potential measures being put forward by the SWMP.
The workshop provided an overview of the work achieved to date by the SWMP. In particular, the principles for choosing the preferred measures will be explained to the attendees, further to which an overview of the solutions for each site will be presented. The workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback concerning the measures to the Steering Group.
Feedback from the workshop is being reviewed and will assist in finalising the Stage 2 work. This will be made available once it is completed.
Documents
Stage 1: Scoping Report and Engagement Plan
Stage 2: Strategic Sites; Map Outlining Strategic Sites, Risk Assessment, Options Report Invitation to Strategic Sites Options Workshop 17 March 2011
Stage 3: Commenced March 2011
The WCS examines the capacity in the local water supply, waste water infrastructure and the water environment to ensure that new development can be supplied with the required services and infrastructure it needs. The study will inform both the One Core Strategy and the councils’ emerging Local Development Framework (LDF).
The WCS examines the capacity in the local water supply, waste water infrastructure and the water environment to ensure that new development can be supplied with the required services and infrastructure it needs.
In summary, there were no barriers that would prevent the proposed level of growth in Gateshead and Newcastle. However, a number of constraints were identified that could require additional work but would not warrant a Detailed WCS. This recommended additional work is under review with partners and will depend on the outcomes of the Council’s Strategic Land Review.
Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) on Development and Flood Risk requires that the evidence base for the Local Development Framework includes a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA).
The Council has completed a SFRA in conjunction with the Environment Agency and the local water company which provides information on the probability of flooding, such as that from groundwater sources and sewers. It also takes into account the impacts of climate change. It is intended that the SFRA will be used to ensure that in allocating land or determining applications, development is located in areas at lowest risk of flooding.
The SFRA has been produced in two stages; Level 1 is a city wide assessment, with Level 2 providing more detailed and refined assessment based on the findings of the Level 1.
A set of maps has also been produced as part of the SFRA Level 1 and 2; these are currently available upon request.
Should you wish to discuss the above studies further or request SFRA maps please contact the Planning and Housing Strategy team:
Planning and Housing Strategy Team
Strategic Housing, Planning and Transportation
Tel: 0191 211 5643/ 2777825
Page last updated: 16 August, 2011
