Our policy on development near watercourses
The Lead Local Flood Authority requires a minimum 5m no development buffer from the top of bank, or edge of culvert for all ordinary watercourses. This buffer is required to maintain access to the watercourse for ongoing maintenance and management of the watercourse.
Should a 5m buffer be considered unrealistic by a developer we advise that this is raised as part of pre-application conversations.
Where other policies or guidance require a no development buffer from a watercourse, we advise that the maximum buffer distance should be utilised.
