Pre-application Advice Including Chargeable Service
As set out in the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Flood Risk and Coastal Change Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), and The SuDS Manual (CIRIA C753), early engagement with the LLFA is highly recommended in order to achieve the best outcomes from development.
Freely available flood risk information/guidance
There is a range of freely available flood risk information available online including the Flood Map for Planning showing Main Rivers, Flood Zones and surface water flood extents used for planning purposes.
The PPG provides extended guidance on how to apply the flood risk policies contained within the NPPF. Of particular importance to developers and WCC is Paragraph 059 documenting what information on SuDS should be submitted within planning applications.
Historic flooding information
Warwickshire County Council’s historic flood map provides information on the number of flood incidents reported to the Flood Risk Management team (though it should be noted that many reports of highway flooding are reported directly to County Highways).
The relevant district or borough council may hold more detailed information, as may the parish council or residents around the proposed development area. Results of further consultation should be included within your FRA. Any reports of flooding should be considered within the development proposals.
Our pre-application service is tailored to individual sites, and to developers in the early stages of their development proposals. It is a chargeable service calculated on the scale of development and level of pre-application services required. The pre-application service levels available are summarised in the table below.
Please see the detailed planning guidance (PDF, 221 KB) and complete the online application form to access this service.
| Pre-application Service Level | What this service is comprised of: |
|---|---|
|
Level 1 |
The LLFA hold a selection of readily available documents, which can be found online on our webpage and downloaded for free as part of our Level 1 service. These documents can be found listed within our Guidance and Charges document. |
|
Level 2 |
Our Level 2 service is comprised of searching our records for flood risk data relevant to the proposed development site. This information will be collated into a summary report. The summary report you will receive will also include a short commentary and identify key suggested actions and considerations for your application going forward. |
|
Level 3 |
Our Level 3 service is designed for a developer who wishes to obtain site-specific comments on early development proposals, based on a review of documentation provided and wider site-specific constraints. The written informal advice is typically 6-10 pages in length (depending on the size and complexity of the site) in addition to a site appraisal and will be produced by the LLFA for use by the developer, giving advice and information on the proposals in relation to flood risk and sustainable drainage. |
|
Level 3a Add-on |
Virtual Meeting (in addition to the Level 3 service) |
|
Level 3b Add-on |
Site Visit (in addition to the Level 3 service) |
|
Level 3c Add-on |
Bespoke Service available upon request |
By engaging with us early in the design of a development, we can work with applicants to identify key flood risk and drainage issues that could otherwise arise during the planning process. This can clearly benefit applicants who are looking to reduce time spent revisiting flood risk and drainage details at the planning stage.
Please also note that this service is separate from any other pre-application advice offered by other statutory consultees and stakeholders such as the Local Planning Authority (LPA), water and sewerage companies and other WCC teams. Any advice given by the LLFA within pre-application services does not bind the County Council to any particular course of action, or formal decision by the LPA.
Although we do not typically publicise the details of any pre-application discussions, Warwickshire County Council may be obliged to disclose this information if a formal request is made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). If a request is received, we can only withhold information under FOI or EIR if the information falls under one of the exemptions set out in legislation which can include information that is commercially sensitive or confidential. If you are submitting information that you do not wish to be disclosed, please inform the LLFA. This can be done via our application form.