Planning for floods (Flood Risk Management Plans)

The biggest change brought about by the Flood Risk Management Act is the requirement to produce Flood Risk Management Plans.  These plans will be at the heart of future efforts to tackle flooding and will ensure investment is targeted in the right areas.  Plans will consider all types of flooding.  This includes flooding from rivers, groundwater, the sea and overwhelmed drainage systems as well as assessing the impact of climate change.

Flood Risk Management Plans will be developed jointly by SEPA, local authorities and Scottish Water with input from local communities and other organisations with a role in managing flood risk.  Advisory groups, established by SEPA, will help support the development of these plans.

Flood risk management can lead to additional benefits beyond reducing flood risk such as improved quality in the water environment following the restoration of rivers and floodplains.  This may include improved water quality, restoration of natural habitats and the introduction of more varieties of wildlife.  To make the most of these benefits, and to share expertise, the flood risk management planning team is working closely with river basin management to ensure consistency and co-ordination in the planning process.

Please click here to find out more about when and how flood risk management plans will be produced.