Time is running out to have your say on new planning guidance to help reduce flood risk.
Anyone interested in practical measures to mitigate flood risk can take part in the current consultation on new guidance to encourage developers, architects and landscapers to design sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for new developments around the Island.
Don’t miss the deadline
The aim is to explain how to include sustainable drainage schemes in developments and choose the most appropriate system to use.
When adopted, this supplementary planning document (SPD) will help to inform planning decisions in the future and guide developers towards sustainable water management solutions.
The consultation runs until Friday, 8 March.
What are SuDS?
Sustainable drainage systems mimic natural processes by storing and treating rainwater close to where it falls. They can also improve air and water quality, increase biodiversity and create spaces for public amenity and recreation.
Methods include diverting water off the highway and onto nearby green space through a shallow trench or ‘swale’; creating ‘rain gardens’, installing paving that allows water to drain through and temporary storage tanks that release the water slowly back into the watercourse. Using these methods slows down water flow and reduces the volume of surface water runoff.
SuDS can create new wildlife habitats such as ponds, water features and green roofs and increase areas of vegetation to ‘mop up’ the water and help it evaporate naturally into the atmosphere.
Fuller: We must find ways of reducing flood risk
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said,
“With extreme weather becoming more common we must find ways of reducing flood risk.
“Part of that work is to ensure that new development is designed to manage surface water in the best possible way to help reduce the likelihood of flooding in our communities. Taking a better approach to sustainable drainage systems will improve the resilience of our drainage and sewer infrastructure, while reaping these broader benefits.
“This draft SPD provides essential guidance and advice on how new development can do that.
“I would encourage people to share their views on the document and look forward to being able to use it when making planning decisions. This will ensure new development manages surface water in the best way for our Island.”
Find out more
More information can be found at Supplementary Planning Documents (iow.gov.uk).
Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to Planning Services, Seaclose Office, Fairlee Road, Newport, PO30 2QS.
Copies are available to view at reception at both Seaclose Offices and County Hall.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
