In broad terms, the purpose of the SFRA is to provide an overview of the flood risk for the District. The document brings together existing sources of information on flooding and sets out information on areas that have flooded in the past or which may flood in the future? It presents an opportunity for the community to inform us of areas which flood and should be included in the SFRA.

The SFRA comprises four sections:

• Part One sets out background information on the nature of flooding.
• Part Two identifies areas of the District that have flooded or are potentially at risk of flooding.
• Part Three relates to the use of sustainable drainage systems in developments.
• Part Four sets out proposals to manage/reduce flood risk, which should be reflected in planning policies and decisions.

The overall conclusion from the draft document is that flood risk for the District is low. Nevertheless, a number of properties in the District have flooded in the past and it is recognised that flooding has substantial consequences for the occupiers of those properties.

The draft SFRA is open to comments from all parties for a period from 16th June to 16th July 2008. The document can be viewed on the Council’s website here or at the District Council’s offices. For further information please contact Neil Oxby Planning Policy & Projects, Ashfield District Council.