Sequential and Exceptions Tests

Flood risk is becoming more and more important and local authority planning departments are increasingly keen to direct new development towards areas with the lowest risk of flooding. So when potential development sites are in areas where there is a high risk of flooding, the planning application may be refused if it cannot be demonstrated that there are no other suitable sites within a lower flood risk area.

The importance of assessing and avoiding flood risk when planning for new development is set out in Planning Policy Statement 25 and two key components of this are the Sequential Test and the Exception Test.

The Sequential Test and the Exception Test needs to be applied at an early stage in order to identify and manage any potential risks and allow projects to proceed without causing unnecessary costs to the developers and in doing so also providing greater certainty of obtaining planning permission.

At ldc we have the knowledge and expertise to prepare and submit fully detailed Sequential and Exception Tests in full accordance with PPS 25 which has resulted in securing planning permission on numerous sites nationwide where flood risk is prevalent.

Planning Policy Statement 25 - Development and Flood Risk - [December 2006] may be downloaded here in PDF format {Opens New Window}.