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Planning

The Drainage Boards in the Somerset Consortium are a contributing authority in the planning process, providing expertise on drainage, water level management, flood risk, and the proximity of developments to watercourses within our boundaries.

Local Councils we advise: 

Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium - river scene in Somerset

As a consultee, the Board does not have the legal power to approve or reject planning applications. Our role is to advise that proposed developments:

  • Do not increase flood risk
  • Do not negatively impact water level management
  • Do not restrict the Board’s or riparian owners ability to maintain watercourses in line with our Byelaws, which regulate development within 9 metres of any watercourse.

Pre-Planning Advice

We welcome early engagement with applicants and developers for pre-planning advice. Proposals can be sent to our Development Control Team at planning@somersetdbs.co.uk, where an officer will aim to respond promptly.

Through pre-planning consultations, we can provide guidance on:

  1. Easements
  2. Maintenance requirements
  3. Discharge rates
  4. Sustainable Drainage Systems

We recommend reviewing our standing advice before submitting your application, this can be found on our polices page.

Additional Guidance for Developers

We recommend developers refer to the following resources for detailed information that may inform their Flood Risk Assessment and Surface Water Drainage Strategy:

  1. West of England SuDS Guide
  2. Flood risk and Coastal Change Guidance (Gov UK)
  3. Soil Map
  4. Flood Map for Planning (Gov UK)
  5. HR Wallingford SuDS FAQs
  6. Catchment Data Explorer (EA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the IDB's maintenance easement requirements along watercourses?
  • Viewed Rhynes (regularly maintained by the IDB): A 9m easement either side of the watercourse (measured from the top of the bank). The area must be level and free from land raising, structures, or planting.
  • Ordinary Watercourses (maintained by the riparian owner): A 6m easement, level and free from land raising, structures, or planting. The applicant must demonstrate their ability to maintain the watercourse.
What are the IDB's requirements for discharge rates?
  • Greenfield sites: Runoff should be limited to 2l/s per impermeable hectare or QBar (calculated from the impermeable area), whichever is more appropriate for the site.
  • Brownfield sites: The IDB expects a 30% improvement over the previously developed runoff rates.