Flood risk management

We are a lead local flood authority so we lead on the management of local flood risks including:

• flooding from surface water
• flooding from groundwater
• flooding from 'ordinary watercourses'

Our role involves working closely with partners involved in flood and water management, known as 'risk management authorities', in our area these include:

• The Environment Agency
• Yorkshire Water
• Internal Drainage Boards:
  • Kyle and Upper Ouse Internal Drainage board 
  • York Consortium of Drainage Boards
• Emergency Services
• Highways England

Roles and responsibilities

Local flood risk management strategy

We are required to develop, implement and monitor a strategy for local flood risk management.

Investigate flooding incidents

We are required to investigate significant flooding incidents and publish reports on their causes and effects. This duty includes identifying which authorities have flood risk management functions and what they have done or intend to do with respect to the incident, notifying risk management authorities where necessary and publishing the results of any investigations carried out.

Maintain an asset register

A register of assets or features which are considered to have an effect on flood risk, including details on ownership and condition. The register must be available for inspection and the Secretary of State will be able to make regulations about the content of the register and records. We will have the power to designate features as significant flood risk management assets and permission will then be required if any alterations or changes are to be made to these structures.

Sustainable Draining Systems (SuDS) through development management

In April 2014 the Department for Communities and Local Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement 16 outlining the Government’s response regarding the future of SuDS. Following consultations, the Government’s formal response was published in March 2015. The Planning Practice Guidance has subsequently been amended to reflect the new approach to implementation of SuDS in development.

From 6th April 2015, Local Planning Authorities must ensure that SuDS are implemented within all major developments. Where appropriate, through the use of planning conditions or planning obligations, clear arrangements must be in place for the ongoing maintenance of the SuDS, over the lifetime of the development. Major developments are:

• developments of 10 houses or more on a site of 0.5 hectares or more
• developments of buildings where the floor space created is 1000 square meters or more
• development on a site having an area of 1 hectare or more

The legislation also encourages the use of SuDS in minor developments.

We require developers to implement SuDS, where possible, for all new development and redevelopment.

To help developers, in consultation with Yorkshire Water Services, the Environment Agency and the York Consortium of Internal Drainage Boards we have produced the Sustainable Drainage Systems Guidance for Developers. This guidance provides information with regards to the drainage details required within a drainage submission and is continually reviewed to provide you with the most up to date information and therefore you are advised to contact the Flood Risk Management Team (FRMT) to make sure you have the most recent version. Early consultation with the FRMT is advised with all new build planning applications

Works powers

We will have powers to undertake works to manage flood risk from surface water runoff and groundwater, which is consistent with the local strategy for flood risk management.

Consenting and enforcement powers

We will be responsible for the consenting of works in ordinary watercourses that may affect flow or flood risk.

Ordinary Watercourse consents

The LLFA are responsible for land drainage consents - sometimes called flood defence consents - for ordinary watercourses. An ordinary watercourse is every river, stream, ditch, drain, cut, dyke, sluice, sewer (other than a public sewer) and passage through which water flows and which doesn't form part of a main river.

The Environment Agency retains responsibility for consents relating to main rivers and internal drainage boards retain responsibility for consents in their administrative boundaries. Please see the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 2011 - Internal Drainage Board Boundary Plan.

Anyone who intends carrying out works in, over, under or near a watercourse or flood defence must contact the relevant authority for the necessary consents before starting work. A land drainage consent is required for:

• the erection of, or alteration to, any mill, dam, weir or similar obstruction to the flow of any ordinary watercourse, or
• the construction of a culvert in any ordinary watercourse, or
• the alteration of a culvert that would affect the flow of an ordinary watercourse, or
• temporary works in an ordinary watercourse, such as scaffolding, a dam, pumping off excessive water, or any major drainage work

Applying for a consent

Contact us before you start your application - we may be able to advise you that consent is not required, or give you advice that will help avoid unnecessary delays. You can contact us using the contact details reflected on this same page. Alternatively you can ring us for an informal discussion on 01904 553511.

To apply for consent for works affecting an ordinary watercourse you must complete a land drainage consent - application form (also available in Word format) and return this to us along with all items on the checklist in Section 11. We have also produced a guidance document to help with completing the application form.

It is essential the application is completed accurately and for accompanying information to be clear. If any information is missing, determination of your application could be delayed.

The application fee is £50 per structure or temporary works event. We must formally respond to your application within two months of receiving your application.

More information

For further detailed information is available to download in our Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Our Strategic Flood Risk Assessment documents are currently being updated. For further information please contact:

Telephone: 01904 553401.

Email: frm@york.gov.uk.

Also see

• Flood advice and information