Policy paper

Strategic environmental assessment: statement of particulars

Updated 18 April 2023

Applies to England

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this statement of environmental particulars

This statement of environmental particulars (SOEP) is a statutory requirement under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Regulations). The SEA regulations require that a statement of particulars is made available as soon as reasonably practicable after the adoption of the South West river basin district (RBD) flood risk management plan (FRMP). This SOEP is the final stage in the SEA process.

This SOEP sets out:

• how we have integrated environmental considerations into the South West RBD FRMP
• how we have considered the findings of the SEA
• how the opinions expressed in response to the consultation on the SEA environmental report have been considered
• the reasons for selecting the South West RBD FRMP as adopted
• how we will monitor the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the South West RBD FRMP

1.2 Flood risk management plans (FRMPs)

The second cycle South West RBD FRMP is a strategic plan for the period 2021-2027 to manage significant flood risk in nationally identified flood risk areas (FRAs). These are areas where there is the potential for significant risk or impacts should major flooding occur. Producing the plan for these areas and updating them every 6 years is a requirement of the Flood Risk Regulations (2009). It is recognised that there are areas at risk of flooding outside of these FRAs. The Environment Agency and risk management authorities (RMAs) actively plan for and manage the risk of flooding to all communities. This is regardless of whether they are in an FRA or not.

FRMPs highlight the hazards and risks from flooding. They describe how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities to manage flood risk in the places where we live, work and play.

We have worked with lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) and other RMAs to prepare and develop the final FRMP.

FRMPs:

• align with the national flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) strategy for England and the FCERM strategy roadmap
• describe the sources and risks of flooding within a river basin district
• include information about how RMAs plan to work with communities and businesses to manage and reduce flood risk
• help to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the risks of flooding, particularly in communities at significant risk
• encourage and enable householders, businesses and communities to take action to manage the risks

FRMPs, together with other plans and strategies, help everyone involved in managing flood risks to make decisions that are best for people and the environment. These other plans include:

• river basin management plans (RBMPs)
• local flood risk management strategies (LFRMS)
• shoreline management plans (SMPs)
• drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs)

Alongside flood risk management planning, we work with others to protect and improve the quality of the water environment through river basin management. We have co-ordinated production of the FRMPs and the RBMPs (RBMP 2022) to encourage better join-up in the management of flood risk and the water environment. This will help to deliver more integrated water solutions that help both flood and drought resilience as well as water quality issues. We have worked with LLFAs and other RMAs to develop joint measures in both FRMPs and RBMPs to reduce flood risk and improve the wider water environment. Aligning measures helps to simplify and improve the efficiency of the delivery of outcomes.

The final South West RBD FRMP provides further information.

1.3 The SEA process

SEA is a process that ensures consideration is given to the environment during the development of certain ‘plans and programmes’. In doing so, it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and environmental protection.

Detailed requirements for SEA are set out in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the SEA regulations). In accordance with the SEA Regulations the Environment Agency determined that the second cycle FRMPs required an SEA.

The SEA process requires us to:

• identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Strategy and any reasonable alternatives
• identify measures to prevent, reduce or as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects
• provide an early and effective opportunity to engage in the preparation of the FRMP through consultation
• monitor the implementation of the FRMP to identify any unforeseen environmental effects and take remedial action where necessary
• report all the above in an environmental report, drawn up during the preparation of the FRMP and before its adoption

We published the SEA environmental report together with the draft South West RBD FRMP as part of the public consultation. This was held between 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. For further information on how the SEA was undertaken and its findings please see the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The SEA recognises that many of the measures in the FRMP are carried over from the first cycle FRMP or are ‘agreed measures’ (measures that are already being implemented) and as such have already been subject to environmental assessment. It also recognises that the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known and therefore cannot be assessed. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where relevant, and many will require planning consent. Our process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to further assure that environmental implications are being considered in the implementation of projects.

2. Integration of environmental considerations into the South West RBD flood risk management plan

2.1 Introduction

This section explains how we integrated environmental considerations when developing the FRMP. A number of interrelated activities supported this. These are outlined and relate to the:

• development of the South West RBD FRMP
• consultation
• South West RBD FRMP SEA
• habitats regulations assessment (HRA)

2.2 Development of the South West RBD FRMP

The environment and sustainability were considered throughout the preparation of the South West RBD FRMP.

In preparing the FRMPs, we and other relevant RMAs developed 18 nationally-consistent objectives for each FRMP in England. In setting the objectives we and other RMAs gave regard to the flood risk regulations’ aims. These are to:

• reduce the adverse consequences of flooding for human health, economic activity and the environment
• reduce the likelihood of flooding

FRMPs are one of many important steps in achieving the ambitions of the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (FCERM strategy) and the government’s 25 year environment plan – a green future: our 25 year plan to improve the environment (25 YEP). They also support the direction set by government policy in the FCERM policy statement. These objectives reflect this. Climate change was also taken into account when developing these objectives.

The objectives have been developed to be consistent with the national FCERM strategy ambitions of:

• climate resilient places
• today’s growth and infrastructure resilient in tomorrow’s climate
• a nation ready to respond and adapt to flooding and coastal change

The 25 year environment plan has also been an important influence, in particular, in relation to the ambition:

• to leave the environment in a better state than we found it
• improving the long term resilience of our homes businesses and infrastructure at risk of flooding and coastal change
• using more natural flood management solutions

Taking this context into account all FRMPs include the following strategic objectives that specifically deal with environmental aspects:

• objective 6: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with communities, landowners and catchment, coastal and estuary partnerships, to identify and carry out schemes which work with natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change
• objective 8: by 2027, actions by risk management authorities to address current and future risk of flooding and coastal change will have helped achieve the environmental objectives set out in the river basin district’s river basin management plan
• objective 9: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with catchment and coastal partnerships, landowners and managers and communities to make use of nature-based solutions to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change and contributed to achieving wider environmental benefits
• objective 10: By 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with Natural England and other partners to ensure that the delivery of flooding and coastal change risk management programmes have contributed to the local nature recovery strategies so that new and restored habitats contribute to reducing flood and coastal risk

The South West RBD FRMP also includes the following national and FRMP specific measures in relation to environmental aspects.

National measures:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to achieve biodiversity net gain where appropriate and wider environmental benefits across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to help achieve the objectives in the appropriate river basin management plan across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will work with catchment partnerships, communities and other risk management authorities to maximise the use of nature based solutions in England to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will drive down carbon emissions and deliver the required flood risk management outcomes when planning and carrying out flood risk management works in England to achieve its net zero by 2030 target across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may work with other risk management authorities, communities, and all relevant partners to identify a programme of nature based approaches in their area to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may start implementing steps to work towards net zero carbon in their area to mitigate the effects of climate change
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may plan flood risk management projects to achieve wider environmental benefits where appropriate in their area to work towards biodiversity net gain

A total of 400 measures were included within the South West RBD FRMP, including national measures. Due to the changing nature of FRMP measures, funding constraints, evolving studies and ways of thinking, we currently believe Table 1 to be accurate at the time of writing. Table 1 highlights the percentage of the measures which met the four specifically environmental objectives (objectives 6,8,9 and 10). We will refine our understanding of how individual measures link with objectives during the implementation of the measures, so the percentages represent our understanding at the time of adopting the plan.

Table 1: percentage of measures which met each environmental objective

Objective	Number of measures met	Percentage
6	172	43%
8	154	38%
9	198	50%
10	58	15%

The South West RBD FRMP identifies individual objectives and measures at both the RBD level, and the RBD management catchment level. These are discussed in further detail below (section 2.2.1 and section 2.2.1).

2.2.1 South West RBD level objectives and measures

Ninety-two measures were developed within the second cycle of the FRMP which apply specifically to the whole South West RBD, as well as the large inland or coastal areas of the South West RBD. This is 23% of the total number of measures in the second cycle FRMP.

2.2.2. South West RBD management catchment level objectives and measures

168 measures were developed within the second cycle of the FRMP which apply specifically to places within each of the management catchments in the South West RBD or the whole of a management catchment within the South West RBD. This is equivalent to 42% of the FRMP measures.

2.3 Consultation

In preparing the South West RBD FRMP we worked in partnership with LLFAs and other RMAs.

A public consultation on the draft FRMPs and associated SEA environmental reports (including the South West RBD FRMP) ran for 3 months, from 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. The consultation ran on the online consultation tool Citizen Space, and we engaged with stakeholders both nationally to encourage responses. Relevant LLFAs worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency to plan and run consultation activities for shared local stakeholders. We also ran stakeholder events and a social media campaign to advertise the consultation.

We received 255 responses in total, 29 of these were responses applied to all of the FRMPs being undertaken in England, and 22 specific to the South West RBD. Responses received were from both individuals and organisations/groups. A range of environmental organisations responded to the consultation including Natural England and Historic England. Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMPs. The responses expressed through the consultation have helped to shape the final FRMP. The summary of response document was published on the 18 May 2022.

Sections 4 and 5 below outline how consultation responses were addressed and the changes made to the FRMP as a result of the consultation. For further information on the consultation responses and how we acted on these responses please see the FRMP ‘you said, we did’ document.

2.4 South West RBD FRMP SEA

We carried out a SEA of the South West RBD FRMP. This ensured we took environmental effects into account throughout the development of the FRMP. We also took technical, economic and other factors into account.

The SEA environmental report sets out the findings of the assessment. It outlines:

• the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the FRMP and of reasonable alternatives
• mitigation measures to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset potential negative effects
• enhancement opportunities to help realise greater environmental benefits

For further information on the SEA environmental report and its findings please see section 3 below, and the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The FRMP sets out how to manage significant flood risk in nationally identified FRAs and how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities to manage flood risk. It is a framework for RMAs to undertake other plans and individual FCERM projects. Many of these local level plans and projects will also undergo separate environmental assessments. These environmental assessments are at a more relevant scale to consider the potential effects of managing flood risk in different places.

2.5 South West RBD FRMP habitats regulations assessment

We carried out a habitats regulations assessment (HRA) in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) for the South West RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the FRMP on designated European conservation sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites.

We have consulted with Natural England in the production of the HRA. The FRMP HRA recognises that many strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for HRA. This provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on European sites.

Section 5.3 provides a summary of the conclusions of the HRA. Read the full HRA.

3. The findings of the SEA

The SEA environmental report sets out the assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the measures in the draft plan. To ensure the SEA focused on the likely significant effects of the draft plan, a scoping phase was undertaken at an early stage. In consultation with local and national specialists within the Environment Agency, the scoping concluded that significant effects on air quality were unlikely and therefore this topic was ‘scoped out.’ The draft plan has the potential to have significant effects on the other environmental topics was identified, including:

• biodiversity
• population and human health
• soil
• water
• climatic factors
• material assets
• cultural heritage
• landscape

The assessment undertaken for the plan for South West RBD found that the identified environmental effects are likely to be predominantly positive or neutral (see Table 2).

Sections 3.1 to 3.8 outline the findings of the SEA environmental report. Section 3.9 provides a conclusion of the overall assessment and how the SEA environmental report was used to influence the FRMP.

Table 2: conclusions of the South West RBD FRMP SEA by environmental topic

Topic	SEA Question	Conclusion of Assessment
Biodiversity, including flora and fauna	Does the plan protect and recover nature?	Positive – some negative effects at a national level balanced by place-based significantly positive effects
Population and human health	Does the plan improve health, wellbeing and equality?	Significantly positive – ongoing endeavours important to maintain assessment level
Soil	Does the plan improve and sustain resources?	Overall neutral – subject to a balance between measures that will have positive and negative effects at the river basin and place-based scales
Water	Does the plan protect and improve the water environment?	Overall positive – some short-term negative effects felt during construction
Climatic factors	Does the plan help to mitigate and adapt to climate change?	Neutral – both positive and neutral effects at the local scale
Material assets	Does the plan support communities and a prosperous economy?	Positive effects – some place-based negative effects
Cultural heritage	Does the plan conserve and enhance the historic environment?	Neutral – negative place-based effects dependant on outcomes of heritage baseline assessments
Landscape	Does the plan conserve and enhance landscape and seascape character?	Overall neutral – balance of positive and negative effects of local and river basin wide measures
Interrelationships	Does the plan have implications for the relationship between the environmental topics?	Yes – neutral effects expected across interrelationships

3.1 Biodiversity

The assessment of the draft plan identified the draft plan measures are likely to have a positive effect on biodiversity in the RBD.

Protecting and Preventing type measures screened into the detailed assessment that result in positive effects on biodiversity include:

• soil condition improvements
• floodplain reconnection of designated waterbodies
• priority habitat creation and restoration, including intertidal, saltmarsh and peatland
• beach and dune management of designated sites

These measures align with and support national and local strategy and policy to recover nature and deliver biodiversity net gain over the life of the draft plan. They also contribute to climate adaption, carbon sequestration and the conservation of land and seascapes synonymous to the South West RBD.

All measures with positive environmental effects will contribute towards nature recovery by enhancing the quality, extent, diversity or connectivity of habitats between designated spaces. Measures which identify the emerging nature recovery network will form a foundation to creating corridors to species by joining fragmented habitats together.

Place-based significantly positive and negative effects on biodiversity will be felt where flood risk activities impact designated spaces of national and international importance. Ongoing management and monitoring of these activities will be increasingly important over the lifetime of the plan.

Preparing and other measures to investigate, assess and develop options for flood risk management will have neutral effects. Indirectly, evidence-based decisions will allow biodiversity specialists to influence how and where environmental enhancements will be implemented through capital delivery.

3.2 Population and human health

The assessment of the draft plan identified the measures are likely to have significantly positive effects on population and human health in the RBD.

Across South West RBD, measures provide significant positive benefits and outcomes through the:

• identification of opportunities to increase flood warning systems to ensure resilience and awareness of communities at risk of flooding
• implementation of schemes to raise the standard of protection to better protecting people and property
• increase the opportunities to engage with members of the public to raise awareness of flood risk and impacts of climate change
• influence the way in which land manager and utility companies manage flood risk or incidental flood risk
• identification of surface water run-off from agricultural land and improved attenuation and storage of water, helping to reduce flood risk to communities and infrastructure
• increase the conservation of habitats and species across the unique landscapes of the South West for the enjoyment of local residents and tourists
• agricultural economy in the long term because of improved land management practices which will help to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and long-term in the availability of water for irrigation and livestock. This will also contribute to the delivery of the South West RBMP
• improve health and wellbeing because of enjoyment of the water environment could be realised through early involvement of recreational and leisure interest groups. Opportunities could include improved access to rivers, lakes and the coast, as well as ability to see and hear water
• betterment of water quality - people, health and the local economy through a better-quality water environment and improved recreation and leisure opportunities
• opportunities to reduce flood risk, driven by resilient communities, economic growth and regeneration.

Emphasis is placed on significantly positive effects where communities are particularly vulnerable in age, connection to surrounding infrastructure like schools, essential shops and emergency services and where flooding effects people’s ability to earn a living, like agriculture and transport.

3.3 Soil

The assessment of the draft plan identified the measures are likely to have mostly neutral effects on soil in the RBD based on a balance of positive localised effects and negative effects in connection to implementing river basin management objectives.

Measures that are likely to have a positive effect on soils across the South West RBD include specific reference to:

• soil condition improvements
• floodplain reconnection of designated waterbodies
• priority habitat creation and restoration, including intertidal, saltmarsh and peatland
• natural flood management (NFM)

Improvements to soil health will play an intrinsic role in bettering the water environment and long-term productivity of agricultural land. These interrelationship benefits are explored in the water, material assets and biodiversity chapters.

3.4 Water

The assessment of the draft plan identified that measures are likely to have an overall positive on sustainable management of water resources and water quality, and support the delivery of water framework directive objectives across the South West RBD.

Many measures will have neutral effects on water as they do not involve physical activities on the ground. Investigations, modelling, mapping, engagement with communities and flood risk appraisals and assessments will have neutral effects on water quality, water as a resource and the water environment. It is likely these measures will align with the actions in the second and future third cycle South West RBMP.

In general, protecting and preventing type measures that result in physical activities are likely to reduce surface water run-off in rural and urban areas, improve soil condition, and reduce the input of sediments, nutrients and other pollutants into watercourses. Multifunctional schemes will improve this approach by embracing working with natural processes (WWNP) solutions to reduce surface water run-off (such as sustainable drainage systems) and sustain or improve the connection of watercourses with their natural floodplain enabling water storage, infiltration and the natural deposition of sediments. Effects on water quality could be improved by delivering projects which reduce wetland habitat loss and include habitat creation.

Measures to deliver capital projects like new flood risk management schemes are likely to have negative effects on the water environment. During construction direct negative effects like source pollution are avoided using on site best practise. However, the implementation of built defences may result in impeding the natural flow of water, reducing the capacity of the floodplain to naturally store water and is likely to hold sediment deposit in unfavourable areas. Continual assessment of these issues is integral to the design decision making process.

The assessment found that there are strong interrelationships between water and biodiversity and landscape. Biodiversity in the South West RBD is often reliant on the quality, extent, diversity or connectivity of water reliant habitats between designated and undesignated spaces. Unique land and seascapes of the RBD make up these designated and undesignated spaces and so there is a strong correlation between an improvement of water habitats and landscapes.

3.5 Climatic factors

On balance, the assessment of the proposed measures in the draft plan has identified that the draft plan is likely to have a positive to neutral effect on climatic factors.

Protecting measures are likely to involve physical ‘on the ground’ activities with the potential to have negative effects on supporting adaptation to climate change. If these protecting measures were to progress to implementation there is the potential for negative effects on climate change adaption caused by building new flood infrastructure or improvements to existing infrastructure. This is due to the embodied carbon with engineered solutions and emissions generated during construction activities. These local effects are currently uncertain. It is advised that potential effects on climatic factors be assessed at the project level through environmental assessments as the proposed measures to reduce flood risk develop.

The protecting measures screened into the detailed assessment for the SEA which comprise the delivery of NFM interventions, priority habitat creation or restoration and soil health improvement are likely to make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation.

Preventing and preparing measures which are likely to have a positive effect to climate change adaption include opportunities to improve community resilience to climate change and awareness of impacts of flooding.

Specific RBD-scale measures likely to have a significant positive effect by offering opportunities to manage climate mitigation and adaption includes carbon reduction planning, adaption pathway planning and place-based measures to implement national and local strategies to store or reduce carbon.

3.6 Material assets

Material assets include flood risk assets, services, agricultural land as well as infrastructure such as roads and public amenities and blue green infrastructure.

The assessment finds the measures in the South West RBD to have predominantly positive effects on material assets across the RBD.

Protecting and preventing measures across the RBD will protect and improve the resilience of communities to flood risk by improving flood assets and improving the flood risk to critical infrastructure such as roads, emergency services and utilities. Some measures also seek to identify adaptive pathways to ensure blue/green infrastructure is resilient to intensifying flood event and climate change.

Improved attenuation and storage of water, through the implementation of natural flood management solutions and improvements to soil condition will help reduce flood risk to buildings, transport networks and public amenity infrastructure.

Conversely in specific locations where measures result in removal of tidal and fluvial embankments and floodplain reconnection these could negatively impact agricultural land by allowing for inundation from fluvial and coastal sources.

3.7 Cultural heritage

The majority of South West RBD measures will have neutral effects on cultural heritage and archaeology as they do not involve physical activities on the ground. It is implied the general principle of flood prevention seeks to protect and conserve historic buildings from flood damage.

Protecting measures which result in the implementation of physical works on the ground could have negative effects on the cultural heritage. Negative effects can arise from impacts on the setting and character of historic places, or through ground disturbance with potential implications on unrecorded archaeological remains. These effects will be dependent on the historical sensitivity of locations. It is advised that potential effects on the historic environment be assessed at the project level through cultural heritage assessments. A heritage baseline should be established to understand the historic significance of areas to be impacted and to inform mitigation requirements.

Preventing and preparing measures supporting greater awareness, engagement and collaborative working are considered likely to have a long-term positive effect. By increasing awareness of the risk and impacts of flooding and coastal change to cultural heritage, it is envisaged this will inspire owners and occupiers of historic properties and landscape to act to protect and increase resilience

3.8 Landscape

South West RBD specific measures that result in physical works on the ground are predominantly protecting and preventing type measures. They will have positive and negative effects on the distinctiveness and character of the varied land and seascapes in the South West RBD, ultimately resulting in neutral effects.

The assessment identified the protecting and preparing measures involving natural flood management, priority habitat restoration, beach and dune management and soil condition improvements will have positive effects on landscape character and distinctiveness.

There is an instance in the Plymouth FRA that explores partnership working to directly influence the effects of flood risk on landscape character:

• by 2024, Plymouth city council and the Environment Agency will work in partnership to implement the Green Minds Policy and assess opportunities to align surface water storage and green landscapes in Plymouth to provide both flood risk management, ecological and user benefits in the Plymouth, South West flood risk area

Landscape change resulting from the creation or adaption of existing infrastructure and flood risk assets can result in a loss of landscape features that contribute to the character of a place, and its use by people. It is expected that in these instances, mitigation and management can be used to reduce the risk of effect on landscape character and use by people.

3.9 Conclusion

The assessment has identified significant positive effects in relation to population and human health. This reflects the inherent nature of the flood risk management for the benefit of people and property. Measures of this nature supports national FCRM strategy to adapt communities to climate change as well as local government strategies to ensure economic growth and sustainable communities.

Increasingly, measures in the FRMP also demonstrate commitment to improving the natural environment for the benefit of flood risk management and consequently biodiversity, water, landscape and soil receptors. This supports national and local plans, policies and strategies to recover nature and mitigate for climate change.

As measures progress through to delivery, it was recommended that the following mitigation actions be incorporated and applied to the project planning, design and construction stages, as relevant:

• adoption of the mitigation hierarchy principle as a design principle during development of protecting measures, with avoidance of areas of environmental sensitivity as far as possible
• investigation of flood risk management schemes to undertake environmental impact assessments at the project level, where required, for potential significant effects and to identify scheme specific mitigation
• a heritage baseline should be prepared for protecting measures involving physical ‘on the ground’ activities to inform the historic significance of areas to be impacted
• assessment of potential effects on landscape character and visual amenity should be undertaken as part of the project level environmental assessment and inform mitigation requirements. Townscape character assessment should also be considered when developing proposals in urban areas
• a water framework directive (WFD) assessment should be undertaken for Protecting measures, where required, to demonstrate compliance with the WFD objectives at a water body scale
• RMAs and partners to support the delivery of environmental net gain in local places for new flood risk management measures
• RMAs to identify a target to achieve biodiversity net gain (BNG) for measures involving loss of habitat. There will be a requirement for all schemes through development, meeting the mandatory 10% gain under the national planning policy framework (NPPF) (following assent of the Environment Bill)
• RMAs to demonstrate consideration of sustainable solutions during investigation of flood risk management measures at the project level (including use of the carbon reduction hierarchy to drive carbon reduction)

Internal consultations were undertaken to discuss the findings of the SEA environmental report and how the outcomes of the information discussed in Sections 3.1-3.8 would be used to influence the FRMP.

A key discussion during the revision of the FRMP included the discussion of environmental constraints and opportunities, and the requirement for any revision of the measures to align with the SEA objectives and the assessment framework questions.

Following the internal review, five additional measures were added to the second cycle FRMP and the measure relating to the Somerset levels and Moors strategic area was edited to include specific reference to recovering nature, use of NFM and providing for BNG which elevates the measure to achieving betterment in biodiversity, water quality, soils, landscape, and climatic factors.

The SEA environmental report was published for public consultation alongside the FRMP, the process and outcomes of consultations are discussed in section 4.

4. How opinions expressed in response to the consultation have been taken into account

4.1 Introduction

The consultation on the draft South West RBD FRMP and the SEA environmental report took place between the 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. This section only refers to the views expressed in relation to the SEA environmental report. It summarises the key issues raised in the consultation and how we have taken them into account in finalising the South West RBD FRMP. The ‘you said, we did’ document provides a full outline of the responses received on the draft FRMP and outlines how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

The consultation included questions on the SEA environmental report. The questions asked the following:

• do you agree with the conclusions of the environmental assessment?
• are there further significant environmental effects, either positive or negative, of the draft flood risk management plans (FRMPs) which you think should be considered?
• are there further opportunities to enhance any positive or mitigate any negative environmental effects that should be considered for the final FRMPs?

4.2 Cross cutting themes

Many of the responses received in relation to the SEA environmental report relate to the content and measures within the FRMP, and were cross cutting across the FRMPs. Cross cutting themes raised through consultation are discussed below, alongside our response to these. Please see the ‘you said we did’ document for further information.

Historic environment

Historic England outlined the importance of the historic environment in place-shaping, local and cultural identity and how it can support the resilience of places and people. Whilst heritage assets and the historic environment can be affected by flooding and flood risk management, they can also play a positive role through, for example, supporting community engagement with flood risk management, learning from traditional water management practices and living with water. There are opportunities for the historic environment to support natural flood management and help build climate resilience and adaptation to flooding and coastal change.

Historic England described how it was important to consider how FRMP measures impact on the historic landscape character and sense of place, as well as specific designated assets. Both direct and indirect effects (for example, through water level changes or mitigation measures for other environmental effects), both positive and negative effects, of flood risk measures should be considered. They would like to have increased collaboration and early engagement as measures progress to ensure that effects are adequately assessed, and opportunities maximised.

Historic England outlined the need for strengthened objectives and measures within the FRMPs to provide a consistent strategic approach to the integration of flood risk management and the historic environment. This should be consistent with the requirements for conserving and enhancing the historic environment set out in the national planning policy framework.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known and therefore cannot be assessed with any certainty. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, with Historic England and other relevant stakeholders consulted early in the process. The assurance of project proposals provides additional safeguards that make sure environmental implications are considered in the implementation of the second cycle FRMP.

Within the FRMP itself the national measure relating to historic environment has been strengthened to include resilience and adaptation as well as improvement to the natural, built and historic environment. This measure appears in each FRMP and reflects the national FCERM strategy measure. The updated measure can be seen below:

Between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts.

The national FCERM strategy roadmap and delivery plan will support the delivery of this FRMP measure and we will continue to work with Historic England and other partners to achieve this.

The wording in relation to early engagement and partnership working has also been strengthened, with further detail provided on our partnership approach.

Biodiversity and designated sites

Consultees outlined that an HRA should be undertaken, and that it is important to consider the impact of the FRMP on protected sites, priority habitats and protected species. Natural England felt that the SEA documents lacked detail and documentation which made it hard to understand how the assessment had been undertaken and on what basis, this was particularly with respect to designated sites. In addition, it was suggested that the SEA assessment criteria with respect to biodiversity should be strengthened to include the consideration of conservation objectives associated with designated sites and that the SEA should provide details on favourable condition tables, site improvement plans and supplementary advice on conservation objectives (SACOs).

Natural England identified that many schemes and measures carried over from the previous FRMP cycle have been indicated as not requiring an SEA at the scheme level due to no significant changes in the design. They were concerned that this approach does not consider changes in the ecological and policy context that may have occurred since the first cycle FRMP leading to potential environmental effects not being mitigated.

We have carried out an HRA in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) for the South West RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the FRMP on designated European conservation sites and provides figures to show the locations of these sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites. Please see section 5.3 of this report for further information on the conclusions of the HRA for the South West RBD FRMP.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. Many strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for environmental assessment and HRA and will be subject to planning or other consenting regimes. This provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on designated sites and biodiversity, including project specific design considerations.

For the second cycle FRMP SEA we revised and updated the baseline and policy context used to ensure that the latest information was being used to set the scope and assess effects. When deciding which measures to assess within the detailed assessment of individual measures or considered as part of a cumulative assessment, the type of measure and the nature of the activity involved was considered.

• Measures that were carried over from the first cycle FRMP and were already being implemented or constructed were considered in the cumulative assessment.
• Measures which were yet to be implemented but had not changed significantly were considered in the cumulative assessment. This is because they had previously been through the SEA process. Updated baseline and policy context was taken into account during the assessment of cumulative effects.

The SEA methodology is outlined in further detail within the SEA environmental report.

Agriculture and land management

FRMPs will help to create a better place for people and wildlife. Consultees considered that when assessing and managing flood risk, there is a need to consider all land uses and land management practices. Adequate integration with planning to achieve more sustainable development was also raised.

The recognition of the importance of agricultural land in the SEA was appreciated. However, some respondents considered that the benefits that the farming community and agriculture bring should be better represented in the FRMPs. These include economic and environmental benefits, ecosystem services, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water quality, landscape character, recreation and tourism. These benefits could be jeopardised if agricultural land is regularly flooded.

Consultees highlighted that the land use change impact on food production should be a key consideration that the FRMPs should cover. They explained that there needs to be a balance between flood risk management, including natural flood management, land use change and agricultural land loss. They wanted more consideration of the value of agricultural land regarding future flood protection and food production is needed. There were also concerns that using agricultural land for flood protection could have serious implications for the economy.

References to land management have been updated within the FRMP to provide additional information and emphasis on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production. Wording has also been strengthened in relation to partnership working.

The FCERM strategy roadmap also includes actions that will support farmers and landowners to help adapt their businesses and practices to be resilient to flooding and coastal change. It outlines how we will work with others to develop land management practices that enhance flood resilience alongside sustainable food production.

Nature-based solutions

Comments related to nature-based solutions were primarily focused on the FRMP itself. They were focused on:

• the positive benefits of nature-based solutions
• the need for a balance between nature-based and engineered solutions
• the need for alignment with the national FCERM strategy

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Catchment-based approach

Comments related to catchment-based approaches were primarily focused on the FRMP itself.

There was broad support for existing measures and a greater emphasis on a catchment- based approach for flood risk management. It was suggested that the focus on flood risk areas within the plans appears inconsistent with a catchment- based approach, which is vital to manage the movement and storage of water at the catchment scale and to maximise the use of nature- based solutions and looking at flood risk management more holistically. Consultees set out the need for collaborative working to optimise the benefits of a catchment-based approach. Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Alignment of plans and strategies

Respondents outlined the need for greater clarity as to how the FRMPs fit with other plans and strategies (including, the national FCERM strategy, RBMPs, local nature recovery strategies, drainage wastewater management plans, shoreline management plans). They considered the alignment of strategies and plans to be essential to ensure a comprehensive approach and effective delivery.

The alignment between FRMPs and RBMPs was welcomed to optimise environmental opportunities and benefits.

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

SEA plans, policies and programmes review

Some consultees proposed additional plans, policies and programmes for consideration in relation to the SEA. These included the chalk stream restoration strategy and the UK peatland strategy, details of which are summarised below.

Chalk stream restoration strategy (CaBA, 2021)

A plan to address the ecological health of chalk streams across the UK. It considers three main themes alone and in combination: water quantity; water quality; and physical habitat quality. Recommended actions across a range of organisations are proposed to strengthen the protection for chalk streams. New actions and improving actions in existing plans, policies and programmes are proposed. These include RBMP measures, catchment abstraction and wastewater treatment. Nature based solutions are promoted in chalk stream catchments. The FRMP aligns with and supports the actions set out in the chalk stream restoration strategy, in particular regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment based approaches, and partnership working

The UK peatland strategy (IUCN, 2018)

The UK peatland strategy aims to capture and embed a shared vision for peatlands across the UK. It has a 2040 vision that ‘our peatlands are protected, enhanced, sustainably managed and are recognised for their intrinsic value and the public benefits they provide’. It sets out six key goals to support the achievement of the 2040 vision:

• conserve, restore and enhance the best peatlands
• restore damaged peatlands to functioning ecosystems
• adapt management of drained peatlands
• sustainably manage healthy peatlands with compatible land uses
• maintain a programme to oversee process against strategic goals
• communicate value of peatlands to a wide audience

The FRMP aligns with the strategy, in particular, regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment-based approaches and working in partnership. There are also specific measures regarding peatland areas, where relevant.

In summary, the FRMP aligns with both of these strategies and aims to work with natural processes in order to deliver flood risk management. It also outlines how we will work in partnership with others and use catchment-based approaches to maximise outcomes.

4.3 Themes specific to the South West RBD FRMP

Analysis of the responses to the draft South West RBD FRMP consultation identified common themes which emerged from the responses to three questions relating to the SEA environmental report. The points raised are captured below:

4.3.1 Historic environment

The responses received to questions included concerns regarding consideration of below ground archaeology/ heritage assets and potential impact on landscape of projects/assets outlined within the FRMP/SEA.

Response:

The concern of the potential impact on the historic environment is recognised, however the EA undertake individual studies and assessments such as environmental screenings prepared by NEAS which acts as checks to inform project teams of potential environmental constraints. As such, historic environmental records are routinely checked.

4.3.2 Designated Sites

The responses received highlighted an inconsistent approach in including designated sites and the method they are dealt with in the individual flood risk areas.

Response:

The FRMP was reviewed and updated with the missing designated sites. In addition, it was decided that only significant canals would be included in the FRMP.

The impact of coastal flooding on the Isles of Scilly and the impact on multiple special designations across the islands was raised as a concern during consultation. In response, three additional measures on the Isle of Scilly were added to the FRMP which involve managing the long-term flood risk to the islands, to provide flood risk mapping and flood warning services to increase community awareness, and partnerships to achieve the objectives of the local flood risk management strategy (LFRMS).

4.3.3 Water Quality

The responses received included investigating opportunities within the FRMP to improve the water quality and flood management within the RBD.

Response:

It was proposed a greater enforcement of farming rules for water both nationally and locally was needed as a way of promoting both improved water quality and flood management. In response to this, a new measure to address this issue was included in the FRMP.

During the consultation period, it was suggested for opportunities to reduce severe flooding and overflows to be investigated which should ultimately improve water quality. In response to this concern, alterations to some measures were made to improve the capacity or overflow prevention of foul/combined sewers near waterbodies.

5. Reasons for adopting the South West RBD FRMP

5.1 Introduction

This section provides an outline of the main factors taken into account in finalising the South West RBD FRMP. The main factors include the:

• findings of the SEA process as described in the environmental report including the assessment of reasonable alternatives
• consultation responses to the draft FRMP
• consultation responses to the environmental report
• findings of the final HRA

In section 5.2 below we summarise the main changes made to the FRMP as informed by the consultation. In section 5.3 we outline the relationship to the SEA process.

5.2 The final FRMP

A variety of changes have been made to the FRMP including the supporting text in Part A and Part B and to measures. Changes have also been made to the flood plan explorer (FPE).

The types of measure changes can be split into three categories:

• wording/supporting information for existing measures
• geographical extents
• measure(s) to be added or removed

When considering proposed changes we assessed the associated environmental effects as part of the SEA. This enabled us to understand the environmental effects of changes and to feed into the decision as to whether to implement changes. We agreed the changes with relevant partners before making them.

We made changes to the functionality and maps on the FPE to make finding information easier, particularly in places where there are many measures near to each other. We also created a guide to support FPE navigation.

There were a number of cross cutting themes from the consultation on the draft FRMP, which led to changes across all FRMPs. The changes reflect areas where responses identified common themes for improvement or needed to be further clarified. Some of the general changes we have made include:

• explaining more about our approach and commitment to partnership working
• expanding on the information about NFM including its types, benefits and outcomes
• providing additional details about the role of catchment partnerships and the importance of the catchment-based approach
• clarifying how the FRMPs align with other plans and strategies including the national FCERM strategy and RBMPs
• greater clarity on the historic environment, with a change to a national measure to include adaptability and resilience of the historic environment, and additional wording to explain how we will work with others to maximise opportunities and minimise effects
• providing additional information on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• increased clarity with regard to climate change and the contribution of FRMP measures to climate resilience
• explained the methodology used to identify FRAs in the preliminary flood risk assessments and provided clarification that no groundwater FRAs have been identified
• greater explanation with regard to funding
• made improvements to flood plan explorer

Some of the comments we received could not be addressed through changes in the FRMPs. Some comments identified local issues which needed consideration at a local level. These were passed to our and LLFA’s local teams and these are being considered. In addition, some comments related to our and the government’s wider remits. The ‘you said we did’ document provides further detail on these aspects.

In the adopted South West RBD there were a number of changes which were introduced following a three month public consultation on the draft plan between October 2021 and January 2022. Overall, the public consultation showed high levels of support for the development of the FRMP with minimal responses (those outlined in section 4). The following changes to the proposed measures were implemented:

• 3 measures were removed
• 16 new measures proposed
• 31 measures were edited

The ‘you said, we did’ document summarises the responses received on the draft FRMP also how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

5.3 Review of the changes

We have reviewed the changes to the FRMP as part of the SEA process. The main purpose of this was to determine whether they could change the significant environmental effects identified in the assessment of the draft FRMP (see section 3 for an overview of these effects).

Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMP. This supports the SEA conclusions on the assessment of alternatives and its approach to assessing the potential significant environmental effects of the FRMPs.

A substantial proportion of the changes to the FRMP are associated with additions to the supporting text or narrative. In some places the supporting text has also been restructured. These changes have primarily sought to provide additional information and help clarify aspects following the consultation responses. Changes made to the Part A national objectives and the Part B national measures have been minor text changes to clarify or strengthen them.

The following changes to Part B of the second cycle South West RBD FRMP have been made following consultation. These are considered to be minor, and largely relate to changes to the supporting text or narrative.

There have been minor amendments to part B to address some of the feedback received. This includes adding clarity and statements for the following themes:

• rural resilience
• funding issues and the current partnership funding system
• the need to start investigating adaption within portions of communities which could be unsustainable in the face of climate change
• amended wording to canal flooding and references to the Canal and River Trust
• minor changes to the Part B which have not been prompted by consultation responses (these include providing an annex that gives information on the implementation status of the first cycle measures)

16 new measures proposed with the key themes of:

• referencing 2 flood and coastal resilience innovation programme (FCRIP) projects awarded to Devon and Cornwall
• Additional measures requested by council of the Isles of Scilly and Devon county council
• referencing supporting LLFAs to deliver property flood resilience, improved coastal planning coordination and land management
• maintaining a groundwater flood warning service in the Dorset catchment
• a high-level measure for the Wessex area emphasising the continued partnership working to deliver multiple flood and environmental benefits. This measure was included for consistency between the Wessex and West Midlands areas. It is a result of the West Midlands area director approval of the Severn FRMP and RBMP consultation comments.
• 3 measures were removed due to resource constraints in Cornwall Council and a project being pushed into the next programme (2027 onwards) in Dorset and Wiltshire
• minor edits to 31 measures to ensure consistency across the South West RBD and ensure inclusion of appropriate partners

The FCRIP measures have the potential to involve ground-breaking activity and construction as they aim to increase community resilience through nature based solutions, improved flood warnings, and better strategic planning and community empowerment. In addition, the inclusion of a measure which will ‘deliver improvements to the operation of Holbeam flood storage area and ensure land adjacent to it is safeguarded…to provide opportunities to mitigate the impact of climate change’ also has the potential for ground-breaking activities.

Whilst the addition of the FCRIP have the potential to break-ground and requirement for construction, we believe the potential impact of this has already been discussed within the measures and the environmental impact will be discussed on an individual project level as standard best practice (National Environmental assessment and sustainability (NEAS) teams screening review process). As such, we have concluded that the changes made to the FRMP do not materially affect SEA findings and likely significant effects identified. It also takes into account the changes made in response to the South West RBD FRMP environmental report’s recommendations for mitigation and enhancement

In addition, we have prepared a final HRA to assess potential effects on European sites. We consulted with Natural England in preparing the final HRA.

The final HRA assesses the potential for the South West RBD FRMP to result in likely significant effects (LSEs) on European sites, particularly regarding the impact pathways direct habitat loss, coastal squeeze, visual and noise disturbance, water quality, hydrology, loss of functionally linked habitat and spread of invasive non-native species.

A total of 53 European sites with sensitivity to hydrological changes or other linking impact pathways (for example disturbance) were identified across the RBD. LSEs of the FRMP on all European sites, both alone and in-combination, could be excluded for all measures and an Appropriate Assessment was not required. This is for a variety of reasons, including that some measures are carried over from the cycle 1 FRMP (which would have been subject to the statutory consenting process, including HRA), already being implemented, not associated with linking impact pathways to European sites or too non-specific (either in terms of specific location, their nature or both) to allow for a detailed, meaningful assessment.

Twenty-four measures were screened out at the strategic FRMP level but recommended for down-the-line HRA. As the details of potential schemes are developed towards the planning application stage, the HRA process will ensure that adequate mitigation measures, where relevant, are incorporated and the integrity of European sites will be protected. It is to be noted that many of the flagged measures involve natural flood management approaches, which are likely to result in long-term benefits to hydrologically sensitive European sites. Notwithstanding this, potential negative impacts regarding hydrology, water quality, loss of functionally linked habitat and visual /noise disturbance must be considered.

Overall, we consider the changes made to the FRMP are covered by the findings of the SEA, HRA and consultation processes.

6. How monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the FRMP will be carried out

6.1 Introduction

The SEA regulations require significant environmental effects of the final FRMP to be monitored. This section outlines the actions we will take to monitor the significant environmental effects of the second cycle FRMP.

We will use existing monitoring and reporting mechanisms to monitor environmental changes. This information will be used to determine whether the second cycle FRMP might contribute further to reducing potential environmental conflicts or make a greater contribution to the achievement of environmental objectives It will not be possible to determine whether any changes can be directly attributed to the second cycle FRMP because there are too many other influences on environmental change for a direct relationship to be identified.

The environmental topics that are being proposed for monitoring are identified below. The SEA only identified potential positive significant effects in relation to population and human health and material assets, biodiversity, and water. However, given the uncertainty that has been acknowledged in this report over the likely impacts of the plan on other environmental topics, it is proposed to monitor a wider range of topics. In particular, the overall positive effect on biodiversity, flora and fauna is dependent on delivery of biodiversity net gain on development schemes. Regular review and monitoring of this delivery is fundamental.

Monitoring of progress towards the national FCERM strategy objectives, via the FCERM strategy roadmap, and of the FRMP will help to identify areas that need review and action in relation to the environmental ambitions of the plans. Please see FRMP Part B for further information on how we will monitor implementation of the FRMP.

In addition to the monitoring proposed below, our process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to further assure that management, mitigation and monitoring occurs at a project level. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where appropriate, and many projects will require planning consent.

6.2 Population, human health and material assets

We are required to periodically report to the minister about flood and coastal erosion risk management outcomes. Data on the changes in the number of households and businesses at risk of flooding and those better protected from flooding is already collected and reported on for outcome measure 2.

Strategic objective 1.1 of the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England action plan states that ‘between now and 2050 the nation will bolster its resilience to flooding and coastal change’ and outlines a number of actions to help deliver it. Monitoring conducted to understand the extent to which this objective is achieved will be relevant also to understanding the extent to which second cycle FRMP resilience objectives and the respective benefits for people and human health are being achieved across RBDs.

6.3 Biodiversity, flora and fauna

Annual monitoring is already undertaken to determine the length of rivers improved to help show progress toward meeting the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations 2017 objectives. Over the lifetime of the plan we would expect to see the number of rivers reduce where flood risk management is a contributing factor in a rivers failure to achieve good status or potential.

We and other RMAs also report on outcome measure 4 (OM4), which measures

• km of waterbody improved
• hectares of habitat improved
• hectares of habitat created

We will also undertake monitoring associated with the implementation of biodiversity net gain (as set out in the 25 year environment plan and included in the Environment Act 2021).

6.4 Water

We undertake monitoring of the water environment to meet the requirements of the water environment regulations. Indicators used include water quality, ecology (for example invertebrates, fish) and morphology. Over the lifetime of the plan, we would expect to see a reduction in the number of rivers where flood risk management is a contributing factor to its poor status.

7. References

CaBA, 2021. Chalk stream strategy. Chalk stream strategy - CaBA

IUCN, 2018. UK peatland strategy. UK strategy. IUCN UK peatland programme

List of abbreviations

Abbreviation	Description
BNG	biodiversity net gain
DWMP	drainage and wastewater management plan
FCERM	flood and coastal erosion risk management
FCRIP	flood and coastal resilience innovation programme
FPE	flood plan explorer
FRA	flood risk area
FRMP	flood risk management plan
HRA	habitats regulations assessment
LFRMS	local flood risk management strategy
LLFA	lead local flood authority
LSE	likely significant effects
NEAS	national environmental assessment and sustainability
NFM	natural flood management
NPPF	national planning policy framework
RBD	river basin district
RBMP	river basin management plan
RMA	risk management authority
SACO	supplementary advice on conservation objectives
SEA	strategic environmental assessment
SMP	shoreline management plan
SoEP	statement of environmental particulars
WFD	water framework directive
WWNP	working with natural processes

Glossary

Adaptation: means anticipating appropriate action to prevent or minimise the likelihood and consequences of flooding and coastal change. It has been shown that well planned early adaptation action saves money and lives late.

Baseline: a description of the present state of the environment with the consideration of how the environment would change in the future in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of natural events and other human activities.

Baseline studies/survey: collection of information about the environment which is likely to be affected by the project.

Biodiversity net gain: an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand by creating or enhancing habitat.

Catchment: a surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a river. A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the groundwater part of the river flow.

Coastal erosion: the loss of land due to the effects of waves and, in the case of coastal cliffs, slope processes (such as high groundwater levels). This may include cliff instability, where coastal processes result in landslides or rock falls.

Conservation area: an area designated under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 to protect its architectural or historic character.

Cumulative impacts: the combined impacts of several projects within an area, which individually are not significant, but together amount to a significant impact.

Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment and setting environmental policy.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA): is an assessment process applied to both new development proposals and changes or extensions to existing developments that are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Environmental land management Scheme (ELMS): is the cornerstone of the government’s new agricultural policy. The scheme means farmers and other land managers may be paid for delivering public goods such as clean and plentiful water, thriving plants and wildlife and reduction of and adaptation to climate change.

Environmental net gain: is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand. The aim of environmental net gain is to reduce pressure on and achieve overall improvements in natural capital, ecosystem services and the benefits they deliver.

Environmental report: the document produced to describe the strategic environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a strategy.

Flood defence: a structure (or system of structures) that reduce the risk of flooding from rivers or the sea.

Flood plan explorer: a new, online, map-based tool which displays all of the measures proposed as part of the second cycle of flood risk management plans in England.

Flood risk area: areas identified through the preliminary flood risk assessment process where the risk of flooding is significant nationally for people, the economy or the environment.

Flood risk management plan (FRMP): a statutory plan prepared by the Environment Agency and LLFAs under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. The plans are reviewed and updated every 6 years.

Flood and coastal erosion risk management: managing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion to people, property and the natural environment through minimising predicting and managing the risk.

Green infrastructure: includes a range of environments such as parks, playing fields, woodland, street trees, rights of way, allotments, canal tow paths, green walls and roofs

Habitats directive: EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation (Natural habitats and wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of International or European conservation importance. Sites are designated as special areas of conservation (SACs), special protection areas (SPAs) and/or ramsar sites. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network.

Habitats regulations assessment: any developments in or close to a special area of conservation or a special protection area are subject to the habitat regulations for approval of Natural England.

Historic England: officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England. A public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. They protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. Historic England are the government statutory advisor on the historic environment and are funded largely by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Internal drainage boards: a public body that manage water levels in an area, known as an internal drainage district, where there is a special need for drainage.

Lead local flood authority: these are county, unitary or metropolitan boroughs that are responsible for managing flooding from surface water, smaller watercourses and groundwater.

Main river: a watercourse designated by Defra. The Environment Agency has permissive powers to carry out flood defence works, maintenance and operational activities on main rivers. Responsibility for maintenance rests on the riparian owner.

Mitigation measures: actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for adverse effects.

Natural England: Natural England is an executive non-departmental public body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us.

Natural flood management: implementation of natural measures which help to alleviate the risk of flooding. They can be used in conjunction with more traditional engineering techniques.

Nature based solutions: are the sustainable management and use of natural features and processes to help address societal and environmental challenges.

Risk management authority (RMA): the collective of organisations who are responsible for flood and coastal risk management in England, including the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, district councils and Internal Drainage Boards.

River basin district (RBD): large river catchments in England. They cover an entire river system, including river, lake, groundwater, estuarine and coastal water bodies.

River basin management plan: statutory plans developed by the Environment Agency which set out how organisations, stakeholders and communities will work together to improve the water environment.

SEA directive: European Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment”.

SEA regulations: the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (England) (SI 2004 1633) are the regulations transposing the SEA Directive into UK law.

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA): is a process designed to make sure that significant environmental effects arising from proposed plans and programmes are identified, assessed, subjected to public participation, taken into account by decision-makers, and monitored. SEA sets the framework for future assessment of development projects, some of which require Environmental impact assessment (EIA). SEA is carried out according to the requirements of the SEA regulations.

Sustainable development: a concept defined by the Brundtland report (1987) as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDs): approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenity are collectively referred to as sustainable drainage systems (SuDs). SuDs mimic nature and typically manage rainfall close to where it falls SuDs can be designed to transport (convey) surface water slow runoff down (attenuate) before it enters watercourses.

Water body: a unit of surface water being the whole (or part) of a stream river or canal lake or reservoir estuary or stretch of coastal water A groundwater water body is a defined area of an aquifer with geological and hydrological boundaries to ensure consistency and avoid fragmentation.

Water framework directive (WFD): EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management. The WFD sets out environmental objectives for water status based on ecological and chemical parameters, common monitoring and assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration and planning and a programme of measures to meet the objectives. This is transposed into UK law through the Water Environment Regulations 2017.