65 Sustainable Development and Flood Risk – Reducing Uncertainty ( Bristol Broadmead Development

INTRODUCTION In the UK national planning guidance on Development and Flood Risk is now given in Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 (DTLR, July 2001), which replaces Circular 30/92 (DOE, 1992). Amongst other things the guidance in PPG25 states “Policies in redevelopment plans should outline the consideration which will be given to flood issues, recognising the uncertainties that are inherent in the prediction of flooding and that flood risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change”. It goes on to state that “Planning authorities should apply the precautionary principle to the issue of flood risk, using a risk-based search sequence to avoid such risk where possible and managing it elsewhere”. One of the more innovative and indeed controversial elements of the guidance note is the recognition that those wishing to undertake development that may impact flood risk and urban or surface water drainage must bear some of the cost in determining, quantifying and managing the risk resulting from such development. Indeed it goes as far as saying “Developers should fund the provision and maintenance of flood defences that are required because of the redevelopment”.