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Local Plan Review Evidence

Chapters in this topic

  1. Air quality
  2. Environment
  3. Climate change
  4. Communities
  5. Economy and employment
  6. Flood risk
  7. Heritage
  8. Housing
  9. Infrastructure
  10. Land
  11. Landscape
  12. Viability
  13. Open space, sport and recreation
  14. Return to the Local Plan Review

Flood risk

Flood risk evidence.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (July 2026)

A  Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been carried out for Swale Borough Council by JBA Consulting. The SFRA is used to:

  • inform the plan-making process, in particular the choice of allocations, following the sequential approach
  • assist Development Management decisions
  • assist Developers in the preparation of Flood Risk Assessments
  • help prioritise and target improvements to flood defences and prepare for flood emergencies

The Level 1 SFRA was reported to the Local Plan Panel on 30th June 2026.

Following the panel meeting, we have published the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment report and appendices, with updates, on our website.

Sequential Test

The Local Plan Review will need to allocate enough land to meet the Borough’s future development needs. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk. Where development is necessary in such areas, the development should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere. To achieve this, local plans should apply a sequential, risk-based approach to the location of development and the first step in doing so is to apply the sequential test.

You can download the Local Plan Sequential Test (PDF 733KB).

Advice Note – undertaking Sequential and Exception Tests for Planning Applications in Swale (July 2026)

This sets out local guidance on undertaking Sequential and Exceptions Tests in the borough.

You can download the Advice Note (PDF 595kb).

The MEAS (Medway Estuary and Swale Strategy) Contributions Advice Note

This sets out the rational behind the MEAS Contributions Policy (Policy C7 Implementing the Medway Estuary & Swale (MEAS) Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy of the Swale Borough Council Regulation 19 Document ) along with costings.

You can download the MEAS Contribution Advice Note (PDF 117kb).

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