As such, we are required by Government to undertake a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment as an essential part of the evidence gathering stage for our Local Development Framework.
A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is one in a hierarchy of flood risk assessments carried out to assess flood risk at all levels of the planning process.
Strategic Flood Risk Assessments comprise relevant data, guidance and recommendations for flood risk issues at a local level and are a useful planning tool in helping to manage flood risk in an effective and sustainable manner. They look beyond the basic flood risk zones identified by the Environment Agency to assess and identify all the different levels of flood risk (high, medium or low) and forms of flooding from all sources - rivers, canals, reservoirs, surface water, sewers and groundwater are explored.
Local studies
As flood risk is very much a cross-boundary issue, Consultants Scott Wilson were commissioned to undertake a level 1 assessment for all ten Greater Manchester districts. This Greater Manchester Sub-Regional Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (external link) was completed in August 2008.
The Wigan level 2 hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment gives a more detailed overview of flood risk locally. This will help us guide future development to the right locations across the Borough, and where possible help us to reduce flood risk overall.
It is presented in 2 reports:
- Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (.pdf, 1411Kb). This provides evidence on a key community basis. It provides more detailed information on flood risk from the River Douglas, Calico Brook and Wigan Brooks, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and surface water. The additional detail can inform a sequential approach to development allocation within flood risk areas and mitigation options where appropriate. (Appendix F maps will be available separately on request).
- Strategic Flood Risk Assessment User Guide (.pdf, 1290Kb) and Appendices (.pdf, 972Kb). For additional information on the SFRA process and requirements for Sequential and Exceptions Testing.
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Mapping
A suite of strategic flood risk maps have also been produced which will be used to locate development away from areas at high risk of flooding. These will be considered alongside any updated information.
Due to file sizes, it has not been possible to publish all the SFRA maps on our website. You can view copies of the reports and associated maps at our planning offices or we can provide a CD at a cost of £10.
