Flood risk and drainage

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• Flood risk in Dacorum

  Dacorum's geographical information system (GIS) provides up-to-date floodplain data for the borough in terms of Flood Zones 1, 2 and 3. Our policy on development in areas of flood risk can be found in Policy CS25 of the Core Strategy - adopted September 2013 (PDF 7MB).

  You can find out if you are at risk of flooding on the Government website.

• Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)

  In order to determine whether development within a flood plain is acceptable, you may be asked to submit a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). Find out more on the Government website.

• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

  Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) manage surface water based on an understanding of the ‘hydrologic cycle’ – the movement of water within the natural environment. They are an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective approach to drainage that avoid the problems associated with conventional drainage systems by managing water at the surface, replicating the flow routes and stopping places that water finds in the natural landscape. This integrated approach to SuDS and the landscape is referred to as the SuDS philosophy, and provides an opportunity for the delivery of multiple environmental, economic and social benefits.

  When should a sustainable drainage system be considered?

  Whether a sustainable drainage system should be considered will depend on the proposed development and its location - for example, whether there are concerns about flooding. Sustainable drainage systems may not be practicable for some forms of development (for example, mineral extraction). New development should only be considered appropriate in areas at risk of flooding if priority has been given to the use of sustainable drainage systems (see paragraph 103). Additionally, and more widely, when considering major development, as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, sustainable drainage systems should be provided unless demonstrated to be inappropriate.

  Where to go for advice on surface water drainage?

  • Pre-application guidance
  • Surface water drainage
  • SuDs guidance
  • SuDs policies
  • Developer's guide and checklist
• Management of surface water drainage - major development

  On 24 March 2015, the Government laid a statutory instrument making the Lead Local Flood Authority (Hertfordshire County Council) a statutory consultee in planning for all major development in relation to the management of surface water drainage from 15 April 2015. Please refer to the National Planning Policy Framework and the planning practice guidance and non-statutory technical standards, which now reflect these changes.

  The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 established Hertfordshire County Council as a Lead Local Flood Authority covering the area of Hertfordshire. In February 2013, the first Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Hertfordshire was published and this included a specific policy relating to the approval and delivery of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Hertfordshire.

• Management of surface water drainage - minor development

  Make sure your proposal is designed to cater for the existing drainage patterns on the site as well as the new ones you will create with your development.

  Surface water should not be discharged into foul drains or storm water system because this can:

  • reduce the effectiveness of the sewage treatment plant;
  • lead to overloading of sewers and pollution at times of peak flows;
  • result in water being returned to the river system too quickly.

  Only use soakaways where:

  • ground conditions are suitable;
  • water tables are low enough that they will work properly;
  • they will not receive effluent from septic tank outfalls.

  Try to slow down the rate at which water runs away from your site using:

  • ponds, lakes, grass swales or wetland habitats;
  • permeable surfaces for car parking and other paved areas where ground conditions are suitable, and the risk of pollution is low;
  • French drains (gravel filled trenches) rather than pipes;
  • hydro-brakes at pond or reservoir outfalls where the downstream drain capacity is limited.

  Avoid pollution - If there is a risk of pollution from oil or chemicals from roads and industrial and parking areas, consider the following remedies:

  • silt and oil traps;
  • biological filters in layered French drains or hard surface construction.

  Reduce maintenance requirements by:

  • making sure pipes are laid at gradients which promote self-cleansing;
  • placing traps, rodding points, inspection chambers and manholes where access for cleaning or emptying is easy.
• Water conservation

  Our policy on water conservation and Sustainable Drainage is set out in Policy 124 of the  Dacorum Borough Local Plan 1991-2011 (PDF 8MB).

  Try to design your scheme so that it reduces the amount of mains water you use. This will reduce the amount of water being returned to the river system.

  In the home, install devices such as showers, low-flush cisterns and spray taps.

  Collect rainwater for outdoor use:

  • in butts or pools for use in the garden;
  • in ponds or lakes for use in agriculture. These usually need planning permission. Please ask for advice.

  We have produced a  document on water conservation (PDF 395KB) which provides further information on this subject.