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Constraints on development

by Piotr Matczak, Darryn McEvoy, Ilona Banaszak, Adam Chorynski

[other options]

What:
The aim of the physical planning regulation usually is to prevent undeveloped floodplains becoming unwisely developed and to constrain the further development of already partly developed floodplains. In extreme cases where the flood risk is high the measure can be accompanied by removal of properties from floodplains.
Extreme event: Floods; Sea surge
Type of option: Legal and regulatory instruments; Management best practice
Risk management: Risk reduction
Sector: Agriculture; Buildings and construction
Landscape type: Coastal
Location: United Kingdom; United States; other
Why:
Drivers of change: Socio-economic: Flood damage potential arise because of floodplain development and increased ownership of goods and property. Property development demands may lead to new buildings being located on floodplains. Housing on river or sea side is usually prestigious. Increased wealth also generates building extensions. Similar effects are connected with routing new roads or railroads through floodplains. The cumulative effects of floodplain development upon the capacity and efficiency of drainage channels can also worsen the flood hazard.



Policy: Lack of acceptance or negative environmental consequences of structural flood defence options slowly has been leading governments to undertaking non-structural measures.
How and who:
Implementation: Implemented in various local and regional locations as a part of the concept of "floodplain management".
Institutional context: It is an institutional mechanism in itself. Planning systems, policies and procedures influence the development of floodplains.
Potential barriers: Structural flood defences such as flood embankments increase safety and reduce expected flood losses, thus it encourages development in risky areas. However, defences never prevent flooding totally. Moreover, flood defences are usually build only according to safety standards for the level of development before the structure has been built not taking into account future investments.
Implications for sustainable development:
Implications for sustainable development: Floodplain development might be acceptable if the alternative is to build in a more highly rated environmental sensitive area. Constrains on floodplain development might result in preserving green belts and high scenic values.
Demand for housing can counteract the restrictions on the flood plain areas.
Constraints on development implies less land available for housing and other development, however, it also decreases potential flood losses. Restrictions on development can hamper economic prospects in a some areas.
Resources:
Learning
and
knowledge transfer:		 An example of a local assessment of development constrains and opportunities:
http://media.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/planning/planningpolic
y/ adoptedplan/POL_20090701_SP02DEV.pdf
Development constrain mapping exercise carried out in Vancouver:
http://www.district.squamish.bc.ca/files/PDF/OCP/Growth_Mang
ement_Strategy_Appendices.pdf
Evaluation: Appropriate development in a floodplain might include cases where the average annual benefits of building in the floodplain as opposed to an alternative location exceed the average annual flood losses.
Scientific references:
Parker, D.J. (1995). Floodplain development policy in England and Wales, Applied Geography, 15(4): 341-363
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