Case Study: Permission Secured After Successful Appeal in Petersfield
Aegaea provided a detailed Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and SuDS drainage strategy to support an outline planning application for a hotel and cycle centre near Petersfield. Following refusal by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), our ongoing technical input was instrumental in securing planning permission at appeal.
Project Overview
The proposed development, a hotel and cycle centre, was located on the edge of Petersfield within the South Downs National Park. As part of the outline application, Aegaea prepared a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and a surface water drainage strategy. The application was initially refused by the South Downs National Park Authority, partly due to the proposed footprint and a SuDS detention basin being located within an area identified as being at risk of flooding, despite it being noted that this risk would be designed out as part of a detailed levels design at Reserved Matters stage.
Aegaea’s Approach
After the application was refused, Aegaea was appointed to prepare a rebuttal statement for the appeal. Our response centred on the updated January 2025 National Flood Risk Assessment 2 (NaFRA2) surface water maps. The revised NaFRA2 mapping showed a significant reduction in flood risk across the site, indicating no remaining risk to the proposed buildings and only negligible risk to the SuDS storage basin.
We presented this updated evidence at the appeal hearing, working alongside other technical specialists. Our clear and robust case demonstrated to the Planning Inspector that a suitable drainage solution could be delivered within the submitted plans, and that the very low surface water risk could be effectively addressed through planning conditions and detailed design at a later stage.
The Outcome ✅
The Planning Inspector allowed the appeal. In the decision report, the Inspector acknowledged the updated mapping and confirmed that surface water risk was now very low. The Inspector concluded:
“Whilst a 1:1000 year risk is very low, the appellant claims that recent revision of the flood mapping has seen it removed. Additional attenuation measures that could, if still deemed necessary, be incorporated as part of a detailed site drainage scheme have otherwise also been identified. This could be achieved within the parameters set by the submitted plans, and secured by condition. It is thus a matter that can be resolved at a later stage whether or not a very low risk of surface water flooding still exists.”
“For the reasons outlined above I conclude that a suitable surface water drainage scheme could be implemented, and that in this regard the site is a suitable location for the proposed development. It would therefore comply with Policy SD49 of the Local Plan which generally seeks to secure development that reduces the impact and extent of all types of flooding, and Policy SD50 of the Local Plan which seeks to ensure no net increase in surface water run-off.”
The successful appeal outcome highlights the value of up-to-date flood modelling, technical clarity and expert input in overcoming planning obstacles related to flood risk and drainage.
Having an expert on your team means staying informed about the latest policy and mapping changes, and being able to unlock the development potential of your site.
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