Don't flush away your project - Sequential Test Essentials
Overview
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and its accompanying Planning Practice Guidance on Flood Risk and Coastal Change (PPG) sets out strict tests to protect people and property from flooding which all local authorities are required to follow when considering development proposals. The tests are designed to ensure that sites with lower flood risk are dealt with preferentially, and to refuse sites which are unable to demonstrate safety against flooding without increasing flooding elsewhere.
Sequential test, a risk-based approach to assessing flood risk is detailed in the NPPF and PPG. Sequential tests aim to ensure new development is steered away from the areas with the risk of flooding from any source. This webinar outlines the most up-to-date legislation and its meaning in practice. We discuss the ways some of the challenges can be overcome.
Watch webinar: Sequential Test Essentials
This webinar covers:
- What is the Sequential Test
- Policy Update
- What does it mean in practice?
- Possible solutions
- Best approach - Key takeaways
Top tips for Flood Risk Assessment and Sequential Testing
-
Identify site specifics - Pinpoint unique site characteristics and assess topography, environment, and infrastructure
-
Optimise boundaries - Adjust red line to reduce flood risk where possible and preserve masterplan integrity. (drainage, Biodiversity Net Gain, public open space, ecology, landscaping)
-
Collaborate with Local Planning Authority - Agree on assessment scope early and align methodology expectations
-
Anticipate Sequential Test - expect Local Planning Authority to request, but prepare for others to raise during planning
-
Prioritise risks - Rank flood risks by severity and target easily mitigatable risks first
-
Address disaggregation - Apply case law guidelines to your approach
-
Track legal development - Follow evolving case law and modify strategies based on new precedents
Sequential Test Methodology
Speakers
Chris Patmore
Technical Director - Hydrology
As a Technical Director with over 30 years experience, Chris specialises in flood risk and sustainable drainage design for major infrastructure projects for residential developments, rail, highways, petrochemical and energy installations. Including a role as expert witness on flood risk and drainage issues. Project work includes conducting sustainable drainage design and flood risk assessments for new developments, critical infrastructure, traffic studies, feasibility design, the environmental analysis of hydrology and traffic with particular experience in undertaking NPPF sequential test analysis alongside project planners. Chris’s role spans the planning and design of SuDS flood mitigation through to the detailing and assessment of SuDS solutions. Chris is currently a trainer on behalf of CIRIA/CIWEM/WaterUK to deliver SuDS training to the English Water companies as part of the roll out of the Design and Construction Guidance.
Jonathan Morley
Technical Director - Hydrology
Jonathan is a highly experienced project manager and technical expert in hydrology, having authored numerous EIAs, Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Surface Water Management Plan documents in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and SuDS guidance for a range of commercial, industrial, residential and energy developments throughout the UK. Jonathan has also undertaken detailed surface water assessment for a number of large-scale residential developers and garden cities. He has also prepared the evidence base required to support case making, and for the removal of drainage and flood risk related planning conditions for several high-profile applications.
Leading Minds Webinar Programme
Our Leading Minds webinar series is hosted by technical experts from a variety of disciplines across our business. Each episode aims to guide you through legislative challenges, development risks and sustainable solutions to maximise the profitability of current and upcoming schemes. Whether you want to register for our upcoming webinars, or flick back through our catalogue of previous webinar recordings and top tips, find out more below.
The Building Sustainably Podcast - Series 2 now live
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most innovative and future-ready schemes across the built environment. We'll share practical insights on navigating new regulations and shaping industry standards, offering actionable guidance for innovative planning, design, and building practices.
Our first two episodes are now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
