URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=978

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Flooding

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Fenland Flood Risk Sequential Test Methodology was approved by Planning Committee in February 2018. This document is not a Supplementary Planning Document – meaning that it currently has very limited weight in decision making. This decision seeks to withdraw the Fenland Flood Risk Sequential Test Methodology as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications defaulting to more up to date national guidance.   Portfolio Holder’s Decision: Agree to withdraw the Fenland Flood Risk Sequential Test Methodology as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.   The Fenland Flood Risk Sequential Test Methodology was approved by Planning Committee in February 2018. This document is not a Supplementary Planning Document or a piece of technical evidence as such there has been no formal engagement undertaken on this document – meaning that it currently has very limited weight in decision making.    Since the document was approved, there have been a number of changes to national planning policy and technical evidence/insights in relation to flood risk and water management/ movement across the district. These changes mean that the methodology document is now deemed to be out of date and as such should be removed as material consideration.   Officers have recommended that the document is not replaced or updated as the guidance set out regarding the sequential test at a national level provides a clear position for local decision making.   A do-nothing option was considered but deemed to be inappropriate as retaining out of date documents on our website is unhelpful to developers, site promoters and decision makers.  

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025