Policy paper

Strategic environmental assessment: statement of particulars

Updated 18 April 2023

Applies to England

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this statement of environmental particulars

This statement of environmental particulars (SOEP) is a statutory requirement under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Regulations). The SEA regulations require that a statement of particulars is made available as soon as reasonably practicable after the adoption of the South East river basin district (RBD) flood risk management plan (FRMP). This SOEP is the final stage in the SEA process.

This SOEP sets out:

• how we have integrated environmental considerations into the South East RBD FRMP
• how we have considered the findings of the SEA
• how the opinions expressed in response to the consultation on the SEA environmental report have been considered
• the reasons for selecting the South East RBD FRMP as adopted
• how we will monitor the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the South East RBD FRMP

1.2 Flood risk management plans (FRMPs)

The second cycle South East RBD FRMP is a strategic plan for the period 2021-2027 to manage significant flood risk in nationally identified flood risk areas (FRAs). These are areas where there is the potential for significant risk or impacts should major flooding occur. Producing the plan for these areas and updating them every 6 years is a requirement of the Flood Risk Regulations (2009). It is recognised that there are areas at risk of flooding outside of these FRAs. The Environment Agency and risk management authorities (RMAs) actively plan for and manage the risk of flooding to all communities. This is regardless of whether they are in an FRA or not.

FRMPs highlight the hazards and risks from flooding. They describe how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities to manage flood risk in the places where we live, work and play.

We have worked with lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) and other RMAs to prepare and develop the final FRMP.

FRMPs:

• align with the national flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) strategy for England and the FCERM strategy roadmap
• describe the sources and risks of flooding within a river basin district
• include information about how RMAs plan to work with communities and businesses to manage and reduce flood risk
• help to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the risks of flooding - particularly in communities at significant risk
• encourage and enable householders, businesses and communities to take action to manage the risks

FRMPs, together with other plans and strategies, help everyone involved in managing flood risks to make decisions that are best for people and the environment. These other plans include:

• river basin management plans (RBMPs)
• local flood risk management strategies (LFRMS)
• shoreline management plans (SMPs)
• drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs)

Alongside flood risk management planning, we work with others to protect and improve the quality of the water environment through river basin management. We have co-ordinated production of the FRMPs and the RBMPs (RBMP 2022) to encourage better join-up in the management of flood risk and the water environment. This will help to deliver more integrated water solutions that help both flood and drought resilience as well as water quality issues. We have worked with LLFAs and other RMAs to develop joint measures in both FRMPs and RBMPs to reduce flood risk and improve the wider water environment. Aligning measures helps to simplify and improve the efficiency of the delivery of outcomes.

The final South East RBD FRMP provides further information.

1.3 The SEA process

SEA is a process that ensures consideration is given to the environment during the development of certain ‘plans and programmes’. In doing so, it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and environmental protection.

Detailed requirements for SEA are set out in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the SEA regulations). In accordance with the SEA regulations the Environment Agency determined that the second cycle FRMPs required an SEA.

The SEA process requires us to:

• identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Strategy and any reasonable alternatives
• identify measures to prevent, reduce or as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects
• provide an early and effective opportunity to engage in the preparation of the FRMP through consultation
• monitor the implementation of the FRMP to identify any unforeseen environmental effects and take remedial action where necessary
• report all the above in an environmental report, drawn up during the preparation of the FRMP and before its adoption

We published the SEA environmental report together with the draft South East RBD FRMP as part of the public consultation. This was held between 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. For further information on how the SEA was undertaken and its findings please see the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The SEA recognises that many of the measures in the FRMP are carried over from the first cycle FRMP or are ‘agreed measures’ (measures that are already being implemented) and as such have already been subject to environmental assessment. It also recognises that the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known and therefore cannot be assessed. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where relevant, and many will require planning consent. Our process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to further assure that environmental implications are being considered in the implementation of projects.

2. Integration of environmental considerations into the South East RBD flood risk management plan

2.1 Introduction

This section explains how we integrated environmental considerations when developing the FRMP. A number of interrelated activities supported this. These are outlined and relate to the:

• development of the South East RBD FRMP
• consultation
• South East RBD FRMP SEA
• habitats regulations assessment (HRA)

2.2 Development of the South East RBD FRMP

The environment and sustainability were considered throughout the preparation of the South East RBD FRMP.

In preparing the FRMPs, we and other relevant RMAs developed 18 nationally-consistent objectives for each FRMP in England. In setting the objectives we and other RMAs gave regard to the flood risk regulations’ aims. These are to:

• reduce the adverse consequences of flooding for human health, economic activity and the environment
• reduce the likelihood of flooding

FRMPs are one of many important steps in achieving the ambitions of the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England (FCERM strategy) and the government’s 25 Year environment plan – a green future: our 25 year plan to improve the environment (25 YEP). They also support the direction set by government policy in the FCERM policy statement. These objectives reflect this. Climate change was also taken into account when developing these objectives.

The objectives have been developed to be consistent with the national FCERM strategy ambitions of:

• climate resilient places
• today’s growth and infrastructure resilient in tomorrow’s climate
• a nation ready to respond and adapt to flooding and coastal change

The 25 year environment plan has also been an important influence, in particular, in relation to the ambition:

• to leave the environment in a better state than we found it
• improving the long term resilience of our homes businesses and infrastructure at risk of flooding and coastal change
• using more natural flood management solutions

Taking this context into account all FRMPs include the following strategic objectives that specifically deal with environmental aspects:

• objective 6: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with communities, landowners and catchment, coastal and estuary partnerships, to identify and carry out schemes which work with natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change
• objective 8: by 2027, actions by risk management authorities to address current and future risk of flooding and coastal change will have helped achieve the environmental objectives set out in the river basin district’s river basin management plan
• objective 9: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with catchment and coastal partnerships, landowners and managers and communities to make use of nature-based solutions to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change and contributed to achieving wider environmental benefits
• objective 10: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with Natural England and other partners to ensure that the delivery of flooding and coastal change risk management programmes have contributed to the local nature recovery strategies so that new and restored habitats contribute to reducing flood and coastal risk

The South East RBD FRMP also includes the following national and FRMP specific measures in relation to environmental aspects.

National measures:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to achieve biodiversity net gain where appropriate and wider environmental benefits across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to help achieve the objectives in the appropriate river basin management plan across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will work with catchment partnerships, communities and other risk management authorities to maximise the use of nature based solutions in England to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will drive down carbon emissions and deliver the required flood risk management outcomes when planning and carrying out flood risk management works in England to achieve its net zero by 2030 target across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may work with other risk management authorities, communities, and all relevant partners to identify a programme of nature based approaches in their area to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may start implementing steps to work towards net zero carbon in their area to mitigate the effects of climate change
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may plan flood risk management projects to achieve wider environmental benefits where appropriate in their area to work towards biodiversity net gain

When creating measures, plan makers were asked to link individual measures to the objectives set out in Part A of the FRMP. In addition to the SEA, these raised the profile of certain environmental aspects in the plan development. In particular, objectives 6 and 9 relate to working with natural processes, objective 8 helps to achieve the environmental objectives set out in the South East river basin management plan and objective 10 contributes to local nature recovery strategies.

We will refine our understanding of how individual measures link with objectives during the implementation of the measures, in particular, as measures involving investigations and studies evolve into projects. These updates will be recorded and monitored as the plan is implemented.

River basin district (RBD) scale measures in the South East FRMP reflect the strategic challenges and opportunities we face. The following measures highlight the links between the environment and flood risk management across the RBD:

• between 2021 and 2025, the Environment Agency will undertake beach management from Sovereign Harbour to Cooden in Pevensey Bay to reduce flood risk and erosion in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay, South East flood risk area
• between 2021 and 2025, Eastbourne Borough Council will undertake beach management from Holywell to Langney Point in Eastbourne to reduce flood risk and erosion in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay, South East flood risk area
• between 2025 and 2027, the Environment Agency will undertake works to better manage the coastal flood and erosion risk from Holywell, Eastbourne to Cooden in East Sussex to reduce flood risk and erosion in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay, South East flood risk area
• between 2024 and 2027, the Environment Agency will investigate, and implement where feasible, a scheme of natural flood management measures in Polegate to manage and reduce flood risk in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay, South East flood risk area
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will remove and control invasive floating pennywort on the Langney Haven and Crumbles Sewer and monitor for spread on adjoining watercourses in Langney to manage flood risk and achieve environmental improvements in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay, South East flood risk area
• by 2028, the Environment Agency and Southampton city council will implement the first phase of the Southampton coastal flood and erosion risk management strategy in Southampton between Northam Bridge and Itchen Bridge on the west bank of the River Itchen to reduce the risk of tidal flooding in the Southampton, South East flood risk area
• by 2027, Brighton and Hove city council, Southern Water and the Environment Agency will implement a surface water management scheme, incorporating principles of sustainable drainage or wider catchment solutions as appropriate, for the Preston Park area to protect properties and infrastructure in the city of Brighton and Hove, South East flood risk area.
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will undertake beach management from Galley Hill to West Marina Gardens in Bulverhythe to reduce flood risk and erosion in the Hastings, South East flood risk area
• by 2027, the Environment Agency and Southampton city council will investigate innovative ways of managing flows and runoff into watercourses (including natural flood management) and implement plans and policies in Southampton to reduce flood risk and deliver integrated environmental benefits in Southampton, South East flood risk area

2.3 Consultation

In preparing the South East RBD FRMP, we worked in partnership with LLFAs and other RMAs.

A public consultation on the draft FRMPs and associated SEA environmental reports (including the South East RBD FRMP SEA environmental report) ran for 3 months, from 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. The consultation ran on the online consultation tool Citizen Space, and we engaged with stakeholders both nationally to encourage responses. Relevant LLFAs worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency to plan and run consultation activities for shared local stakeholders. We also ran stakeholder events and a social media campaign to advertise the consultation.

We received 255 responses in total, 29 of these were responses that applied to all of the FRMPs being undertaken in England, and 38 specific to the South East RBD. Responses received were from both individuals and organisations/groups. A range of environmental organisations responded to the consultation including Natural England and Historic England. Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMPs. The responses expressed through the consultation have helped to shape the final FRMP. The summary of response document was published on 18 May 2022.

Sections 4 and 5 below outline how consultation responses were addressed and the changes made to the FRMP as a result of the consultation. For further information on the consultation responses and how we acted on these responses please see the FRMP ‘you said, we did’ document.

2.4 South East RBD FRMP SEA

We carried out a SEA of the South East RBD FRMP. This ensured we took environmental effects into account throughout the development of the FRMP. We also took technical, economic and other factors into account.

The SEA environmental report sets out the findings of the assessment. It outlines:

• the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the FRMP and of reasonable alternatives
• mitigation measures to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset potential negative effects
• enhancement opportunities to help realise greater environmental benefits

For further information on the SEA environmental report and its findings please see section 3 below, and the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The FRMP sets out how to manage significant flood risk in nationally identified FRAs and how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities to manage flood risk. It is a framework for RMAs to undertake other plans and individual FCERM projects. Many of these local level plans and projects will also undergo separate environmental assessments. These environmental assessments are at a more relevant scale to consider the potential effects of managing flood risk in different places.

2.5 South East RBD FRMP habitats regulations assessment

We carried out a habitats regulations assessment (HRA) in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) for the South East RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the FRMP on designated European conservation sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites.

We have consulted with Natural England in the production of the HRA. The FRMP HRA recognises that many strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for HRA. This provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on European sites.

Section 5.3 provides a summary of the conclusions of the HRA. [To view the full HRA, please click here](South East river basin district flood risk management plan - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/south-east-river-basin-district-flood-risk-management-plan).

3. The findings of the SEA

Overall, the South East draft second cycle FRMP is anticipated to have a significant positive effect on population and human health and positive inter-relationships between some SEA topics such as biodiversity and water. These positive effects are principally associated with measures to improve flood and coastal erosion risk protection, as well as the opportunities represented in projects to improve biodiversity and recreation.

Local positive effects would result from improved flows and management to address erosion, including along the coastline. Local positive effects may also arise as a result of the reduced risk of flooding of heritage assets, opportunities for habitat creation and through enhancements to the character of local landscapes or townscapes.

Table 1: conclusions of the South East RBD FRMP SEA by each environmental topic

Topic	SEA question	Conclusion of assessment
Biodiversity, including flora and fauna	Does the plan protect and recover nature?	Neutral
Population and human health	Does the plan improve health, wellbeing and equality?	Positive
Soil	Does the plan improve and sustain resources?	Neutral
Water	Does the plan protect and improve the water environment?	Neutral - positive
Climatic factors	Does the plan help to mitigate and adapt to climate change?	Neutral
Material assets	Does the plan support communities and a prosperous economy?	Neutral - positive
Cultural heritage	Does the plan conserve and enhance the historic environment?	Neutral - positive
Landscape	Does the plan conserve and enhance landscape and seascape character?	Neutral - positive
Inter-relationships	Does the plan have implications for the relationship between the environmental topics?	Positive

Biodiversity, including fauna and flora

The SEA identified an overall neutral effect on biodiversity from the implementation of the South East RBD FRMP and its measures. The individual protection measures that were screened into the detailed assessment included:

• beach management in the Hythe Ranges
• replacement of a culvert and dredging in the Royal Military Canal in the Hythe FRA
• works to manage coastal flood and erosion risk in the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay FRA

Measures were screened out of the detailed assessment for the SEA where there is insufficient information on the location, scale and design of the measures, and/or the measures involve a first planning stage of studies and investigations. If these measures were to progress to implementation, there is the potential for negative effects on biodiversity as a result of new permanent flood infrastructure or other assets, which without mitigation could have adverse effects on protected species and habitats. These potential effects are currently uncertain and will depend on the ecological sensitivities of the local area likely to be affected. It’s assumed that potential effects on biodiversity will be assessed at the project level through environmental assessments to inform mitigation requirements. Therefore, it is anticipated that any potential for negative effects on biodiversity at the local level will be addressed through this process and that effective mitigation measures will be identified.

We will be seeking to achieve BNG through delivery of the South East RBD FRMP to offset any habitat losses, improve existing habitat and create new habitats where appropriate. At the delivery stage of individual programmes or projects, an environmental and biodiversity net gain assessment will be carried out that will identify requirements for habitat retention, enhancement and creation.

Population and human health

The assessment of the South East RBD FRMP indicated that the plan has the potential for significant positive effect on population and human health by reducing flood risk to:

• communities
• businesses
• key utility and infrastructure providers

Preparedness measures involving the following types of work will have a direct benefit on human health and wellbeing:

• expansion of flood warning services
• updating forecasting models to increase understanding of the risk of flooding to communities
• raising awareness of flood risk to communities and increasing preparedness

It is anticipated that by reducing the flood risk and impact of flooding to communities, the measures included in the South East RBD FRMP will contribute to alleviating the anxiety and stress of experiencing and/or being at risk of flooding.

Soil

The assessment identified that the plan is likely to have a neutral effect on:

• soils
• agriculture
• the sustainable use of resources

Measures involving natural flood management interventions can help to reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.

It was identified that most measures in the South East RBD FRMP have the potential for a neutral effect on soils as the measures do not involve physical ‘on the ground’ activities. These measures fall under the types of work of prevention, preparedness and recovery and review.

Where protection measures are proposing the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) or natural flood management, these approaches can provide opportunities for the protection of soils.

Water

Measures involving the following types of work will have a direct benefit on the water environment by improving the condition of waterbodies:

• delivery of projects which work with natural processes including natural flood management interventions
• the use of SuDS within flood risk capital programmes

The use of natural processes can help to reduce surface water runoff and soil erosion. This can benefit water quality by reducing diffuse pollution and the sedimentation of watercourses.

Most of the measures in the South East RBD FRMP were screened out of the detailed assessment for the SEA. This was based on the measures having insufficient information on the location, scale and design. These measures also do not involve physical on the ground works and/or involve a first planning stage of studies and investigations or preparing strategies. These protection measures were assigned a neutral effect on the water environment.

If these protection measures were to progress to implementation, there is the potential for negative effects on the water environment as a result of new permanent flood infrastructure. Direct impacts can include affecting the natural functioning of rivers and separation from its floodplain and obstructing the passage of fish and mammals. These effects are currently uncertain and will depend on the local area and the sensitivity of the waterbodies likely to be affected. The potential effects on the water environment will be assessed at the project level, which will inform mitigation requirements.

Protection measures may also require assessment to assure compliance with water framework directive (WFD) legislation at a water body scale. In addition, design features such as maintaining passage for protected fish species and eels should be identified.

The measures screened into the detailed assessment of the South East RBD FRMP were assessed as being likely to have a neutral to positive effect on the water environment.

Climatic factors

The assessment identified that the plan is likely to have a neutral effect on climatic factors. Protection measures that are likely to involve physical ‘on the ground’ activities must consider how those projects can contribute to supporting adaptation to climate change. Most of the protection measures in the South East RBD FRMP were screened out of the detailed assessment for the SEA. This was based on insufficient information on the location, scale and design of the measures, and/or involve a first planning stage of studies and investigations or preparing strategies. As such, these protection measures were assigned a neutral effect on climatic factors.

Where these protection measures progress to implementation, there is the potential for negative effects on climate change adaption. This is a result of building new flood infrastructure or improvements to existing infrastructure. This is due to the embodied carbon within engineered solutions and emissions generated during construction activities. These local effects are currently uncertain. It is therefore advised that potential effects on climatic factors be assessed at the project level through environmental assessments.

Also considered in the context of the SEA is the Environment Agency’s commitment to reach net zero by 2030 through cutting our carbon emissions by at least 45% and to offset the rest. Implementing this commitment through our programmes and projects in the South East may be anticipated to result in a positive impact on the climate through carbon reductions. However, activities and carbon reductions would need to be monitored to confirm this outcome.

Material assets

The assessment has identified that the plan is likely to have a neutral to positive effect on material assets. Protection measures, which can include improvements to existing infrastructure or the removal of redundant assets, would have positive effects on improving the resilience of communities and businesses to flood risk and the impact of flooding.

Preparedness measures are also likely to have a positive effect on improving the resilience of communities, businesses and key infrastructure. Types of work with a direct benefit are described above under the topic of population and human health.

Cultural heritage

The assessment identified that the plan is likely to have a neutral to positive effect on the historic environment. Protection measures that involve physical ‘on the ground’ activities have the potential for direct environmental effects on archaeological and heritage assets. However, once implemented, protection measures can have positive effects on the conservation of historic sites through reduced flood risk and the associated consequences of flooding.

Most of the protection measures in the South East RBD FRMP were screened out of the detailed assessment for the SEA. This was on the basis of insufficient information on the location, scale and design of the measures, and/or involve a first planning stage of studies and investigations or preparing strategies (i.e. do not involve physical on the ground activities). If these protection measures progress to implementation, there is the potential for negative effects on the historic environment as a result of building new flood infrastructure or improvements to existing infrastructure.

Negative effects can arise from impacts on the setting and character of historic places, damage to the fabric of an item or through ground disturbance with potential implications on unrecorded archaeological remains. These effects are currently unknown and will depend on the heritage sensitivities of the local area likely to be affected. It’s advised that potential effects on the historic environment can be assessed at the project level. This is through cultural heritage assessments and liaison with Historic England and local authority archaeologists. A heritage baseline will be established for each project to understand the historic significance of areas to be impacted and to inform mitigation requirements at a project delivery level.

Protection and prevention measures have the potential for positive effects on the historic environment for all FRAs. This is because improved flood protection across the RBD will also serve to protect heritage assets from flooding.

Landscape

The landscape assessment identified that the plan is likely to have a neutral to positive effect on the landscape resources of the FRAs. Flood risk management projects have the potential to negatively and positively affect landscape character. They can help to protect existing landscapes from the effects of flooding and coastal change. The installation of new or improved infrastructure can result in the loss of landscape features that contribute to the character of a place and its use by people. With appropriate design and mitigation, potential negative effects can be significantly reduced at the local level.

Measures offer opportunities to enhance the quality of landscapes by improving or extending green infrastructure networks or enhancing the public realm. Solutions that work with natural processes can enhance landscape character for people and nature.

None of the measures reviewed in the detailed assessment were assessed as having the potential to lead to significant adverse effects in terms of landscape.

Biodiversity and heritage have particularly strong links with landscape as these topics help form the places which people identify with. Effects on these topics are likely to have a strong influence on the landscape aspect.

Interrelationship between the above factors

The assessment identified several inter-relationships between the environmental topics. An example of this is the positive effects of the South East RBD FRMP from measures that work with natural processes. This is reflected in positive inter-relationships between topics on biodiversity and water environment (supporting WFD objectives).

Measures that involve expanding the use of SuDS can contribute to enhancing the character of urban landscapes, as well as improving water quality. Such measures demonstrate the positive link between biodiversity and human health and wellbeing that can be achieved through increased interaction with the natural environment and green space.

The significant environmental effects of collections of measures in key locations

An overview of the significant environmental effects of the measures proposed in the key locations of FRAs for the South East RBD FRMP is included in the SEA. The assessment identified that the environmental effects were similar across all FRAs. The measures proposed in the FRAs assessed for the South East RBD FRMP are likely to result in environmental effects that are predominantly positive or neutral.

The significant environmental effects of different types of measures

Protection measures represent around half of all the measures included in the South East RBD FRMP. Prevention and preparedness measures each represent around a quarter of the remaining measures. The assessment concluded that prevention and preparedness measures, along with the single recovery and review measure, would be unlikely to result in significant negative environmental effects. This is because they do not involve physical ‘on the ground’ activities. Potential positive effects were identified for the following types of prevention measures:

• development of flood risk policy and strategy
• undertaking hydraulic modelling studies and surveys
• exploring opportunities to work with natural processes
• exploring opportunities to increase the flood resilience of heritage assets

Protection measures with the potential for significant positive or positive effects included the following types of work:

• delivery of natural flood management interventions
• wider use of SuDS
• maintenance of existing flood infrastructure
• property flood resilience measures

The assessment identified that the delivery of flood risk management schemes and water management infrastructure could result in both positive and negative environmental effects. These environmental effects are currently unknown due to insufficient information on the location, scale and design of the measures. Similarly, the environmental effects of future maintenance activities as informed by flood risk and asset management strategies are currently unknown.

Positive effects were identified for preparedness measures such as expanding flood warning services and raising awareness of how to respond to flood alerts.

Recovery and review measures with the potential for positive effects include the following types of work:

• incorporation of lessons learnt in relevant plans and procedures
• review and develop flood recovery information and advice
• partnership working to enable a more strategic approach to improving flood resilience and recovery

The significant environmental effects of the draft plan overall

Overall, the SEA found that the South East RBD FRMP is anticipated to have a significant positive effect on population and human health and inter-relationships. These positive effects are principally associated with measures to improve flood and coastal erosion risk protection. Local positive effects will result from improved flows and management to address erosion, including along the coastline. Local positive effects may also arise as a result of the reduced risk of flooding heritage assets, opportunities for habitat creation and through enhancements to the character of local landscapes or townscapes.

4. How opinions expressed in response to the consultation have been taken into account

4.1 Introduction

The consultation on the draft South East RBD FRMP and the SEA environmental report took place between the 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. This section only refers to the views expressed in relation to the SEA environmental report. It summarises the key issues raised in the consultation and how we have taken them into account in finalising the South East RBD FRMP. The ‘you said, we did’ document provides a full outline of the responses received on the draft FRMP and outlines how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

The consultation included questions on the SEA environmental report. The questions asked the following:

• do you agree with the conclusions of the environmental assessment?
• are there further significant environmental effects, either positive or negative, of the draft flood risk management plans (FRMPs) which you think should be considered?
• are there further opportunities to enhance any positive or mitigate any negative environmental effects that should be considered for the final FRMPs?

4.2 Cross cutting themes

Many of the responses received in relation to the SEA environmental report relate to the content and measures within the FRMP, and were cross cutting across the FRMPs. Cross cutting themes raised through consultation are discussed below, alongside our response to these. Please see the ‘you said we did’ document for further information .

Historic environment

Historic England outlined the importance of the historic environment in place-shaping, local and cultural identity and how it can support the resilience of places and people. Whilst heritage assets and the historic environment can be affected by flooding and flood risk management, they can also play a positive role through, for example, supporting community engagement with flood risk management, learning from traditional water management practices and living with water. There are opportunities for the historic environment to support natural flood management and help build climate resilience and adaptation to flooding and coastal change.

Historic England described how it was important to consider how FRMP measures impact on the historic landscape character and sense of place, as well as specific designated assets. Both direct and indirect effects (for example through water level changes or mitigation measures for other environmental effects), both positive and negative effects, of flood risk measures should be considered. They would like to have increased collaboration and early engagement as measures progress to ensure that effects are adequately assessed, and opportunities maximised.

Historic England outlined the need for strengthened objectives and measures within the FRMPs to provide a consistent strategic approach to the integration of flood risk management and the historic environment. This should be consistent with the requirements for conserving and enhancing the historic environment set out in the national planning policy framework.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we will need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known and therefore cannot be assessed with any certainty. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, with Historic England and other relevant stakeholders consulted early in the process. The assurance of project proposals provides additional safeguards that make sure environmental implications are considered in the implementation of the second cycle FRMP.

Within the FRMP itself the national measure relating to historic environment has been strengthened to include resilience and adaptation as well as improvement to the natural, built and historic environment. This measure appears in each FRMP, and reflects the national FCERM strategy measure. The updated measure can be seen below:

Between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts.

The national FCERM strategy soadmap and delivery plan will support the delivery of this FRMP measure and we will continue to work with Historic England and other partners to achieve this.

The wording in relation to early engagement and partnership working has also been strengthened, with further detail provided on our partnership approach.

Biodiversity and designated sites

Consultees outlined that an HRA should be undertaken, and that it is important to consider the impact of the FRMP on protected sites, priority habitats and protected species. Natural England felt that the SEA documents lacked detail and documentation which made it hard to understand how the assessment had been undertaken and on what basis, this was particularly with respect to designated sites. In addition, it was suggested that the SEA assessment criteria with respect to biodiversity should be strengthened to include the consideration of conservation objectives associated with designated sites and that the SEA should provide details on favourable condition tables, site improvement plans and supplementary advice on conservation objectives (SACOs).

Natural England identified that many schemes and measures carried over from the previous FRMP cycle have been indicated as not requiring an EIA at the scheme level due to no significant changes in the design. They were concerned that this approach does not consider changes in the ecological and policy context that may have occurred since the first cycle FRMP leading to potential environmental effects not being mitigated.

We have carried out an HRA in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) for the South East RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the FRMP on designated European conservation sites and provides figures to show the locations of these sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites. Please see section 5.3 of this report for further information on the conclusions of the HRA for the South East RBD FRMP.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. Many strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for environmental assessment and HRA and will be subject to planning or other consenting regimes. This provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on designated sites and biodiversity, including project specific design considerations.

For the second cycle FRMP SEA we revised and updated the baseline and policy context used to ensure that the latest information was being used to set the scope and assess effects. When deciding which measures to assess within the detailed assessment of individual measures or considered as part of a cumulative assessment, the type of measure and the nature of the activity involved was considered.

• Measures that were carried over from the first cycle FRMP and were already being implemented or constructed were considered in the cumulative assessment.
• Measures which were yet to be implemented but had not changed significantly were considered in the cumulative assessment. This is because they had previously been through the SEA process. Updated baseline and policy context was taken into account during the assessment of cumulative effects.

The SEA methodology is outlined in further detail within the SEA environmental report.

Agriculture and land management

FRMPs will help to create a better place for people and wildlife. Consultees considered that when assessing and managing flood risk, there is a need to consider all land uses and land management practices. Adequate integration with planning to achieve more sustainable development was also raised.

The recognition of the importance of agricultural land in the SEA was appreciated. However, some respondents considered that the benefits that the farming community and agriculture bring should be better represented in the FRMPs. These include economic and environmental benefits, ecosystem services, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water quality, landscape character, recreation and tourism. These benefits could be jeopardised if agricultural land is regularly flooded.

Consultees highlighted that the land use change impact on food production should be a key consideration that the FRMPs should cover. They explained that there needs to be a balance between flood risk management, including natural flood management, land use change and agricultural land loss. They wanted more consideration of the value of agricultural land regarding future flood protection and food production is needed. There were also concerns that using agricultural land for flood protection could have serious implications for the economy.

References to land management have been updated within the FRMP to provide additional information and emphasis on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production. Wording has also been strengthened in relation to partnership working.

The FCERM strategy roadmap also includes actions that will support farmers and landowners to help adapt their businesses and practices to be resilient to flooding and coastal change. It outlines how we will work with others to develop land management practices that enhance flood resilience alongside sustainable food production.

Nature-based solutions

Comments related to nature-based solutions were primarily focused on the FRMP itself. They were focused on the:

• positive benefits of nature-based solutions
• need for a balance between nature-based and engineered solutions
• need for alignment with the national FCERM strategy

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Catchment-based approach

Comments related to catchment-based approaches were primarily focused on the FRMP itself.

There was broad support for existing measures and a greater emphasis on a catchment- based approach for flood risk management. It was suggested that the focus on flood risk areas within the plans appears inconsistent with a catchment- based approach, which is vital to manage the movement and storage of water at the catchment scale and to maximise the use of nature- based solutions and looking at flood risk management more holistically. Consultees set out the need for collaborative working to optimise the benefits of a catchment-based approach. Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Alignment of plans and strategies

Respondents outlined the need for greater clarity as to how the FRMPs fit with other plans and strategies (including, the national FCERM strategy, RBMPs, local nature recovery strategies, drainage wastewater management plans, shoreline management plans). They considered the alignment of strategies and plans to be essential to ensure a comprehensive approach and effective delivery.

The alignment between FRMPs and RBMPs was welcomed to optimise environmental opportunities and benefits.

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

SEA plans, policies and programmes review

Some consultees proposed additional plans, policies and programmes for consideration in relation to the SEA. These included the chalk stream restoration strategy and the UK peatland strategy, details of which are summarised below.

Chalk stream restoration strategy (CaBA, 2021)

A plan to address the ecological health of chalk streams across the UK. It considers three main themes alone and in combination: water quantity; water quality; and physical habitat quality. Recommended actions across a range of organisations are proposed to strengthen the protection for chalk streams. New actions and improving actions in existing plans, policies and programmes are proposed. These include RBMP measures, catchment abstraction and wastewater treatment. Nature based solutions are promoted in chalk stream catchments. The FRMP aligns with and supports the actions set out in the chalk stream restoration strategy, in particular regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment based approaches, and partnership working

The UK peatland strategy (IUCN, 2018)

The UK peatland strategy aims to capture and embed a shared vision for peatlands across the UK. It has a 2040 vision that ‘our peatlands are protected, enhanced, sustainably managed and are recognised for their intrinsic value and the public benefits they provide’. It sets out six key goals to support the achievement of the 2040 vision:

• conserve, restore and enhance the best peatlands
• restore damaged peatlands to functioning ecosystems
• adapt management of drained peatlands
• sustainably manage healthy peatlands with compatible land uses
• maintain a programme to oversee process against strategic goals.
• communicate value of peatlands to a wide audience

The FRMP aligns with the strategy, in particular, regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment-based approaches and working in partnership. There are also specific measures regarding peatland areas, where relevant.

In summary, the FRMP aligns with both of these strategies and aims to work with natural processes in order to deliver flood risk management. It also outlines how we will work in partnership with others and use catchment-based approaches to maximise outcomes.

4.3 Themes specific to the South East RBD FRMP

The main themes emerging from the South East RBD FRMP responses were:

• the importance of nature-based solutions and partnerships in flood risk management.
• the impact of climate change and inappropriate urban design and development
• how risk management authorities and the Environment Agency engage during the town and country planning process and associated policy development
• the focus on flood risk areas within the plans appears inconsistent with a catchment-based approach, which is vital to manage the movement and storage of water at the catchment scale and to maximise the use of nature-based solutions for flood risk

Not all respondents answered the questions which specifically related to the SEA (refer to section 4.1). Although there seemed to be a general agreement with the conclusions of the SEA, the lack of detail at this stage and a need for further assessments as plans or projects progress at a local level were identified by respondents. Issues raised in relation to this point included:

• partnership working should be encouraged in relation to measures and delivering mitigation
• there was a question about how the Environment Agency would monitor the delivery of the South East RBD FRMP and its measures against the SEA findings

The following points were made by respondents in relation to considering the likely impacts of climate change:

• there was support for the national FRMP objectives relating to climate change, mapping, research and awareness raising
• the scale of potential impacts should not be underestimated to ensure funding is also not underestimated
• the South East RBD FRMP would benefit from further consideration of climate change impacts and associated longer-term challenges. These include the threat of coastal erosion, the climate mitigation role of coastal habitats, the need for adaptation and the impact of development on the urban environment

Changes made as a result of the consultation are described in Section 5.

5. Reasons for adopting the South East RBD FRMP

5.1 Introduction

This section provides an outline of the main factors taken into account in finalising the South East RBD FRMP. The main factors include the:

• findings of the SEA process as described in the environmental report including the assessment of reasonable alternatives
• consultation responses to the draft FRMP
• consultation responses to the environmental report
• findings of the final HRA

In section 5.2, we summarise the main changes made to the FRMP as informed by the consultation. In section 5.3, we outline the relationship to the SEA process.

5.2 The final FRMP

A variety of changes have been made to the FRMP including the supporting text in Part A and Part B and to measures. Changes have also been made to the Flood Plan Explorer (FPE).

The types of measure changes can be split into three categories:

• wording/supporting information for existing measures
• geographical extents
• measure(s) to be added or removed

When considering proposed changes we assessed the associated environmental effects as part of the SEA. This enabled us to understand the environmental effects of changes and to feed into the decision as to whether to implement changes. We agreed the changes with relevant partners before making them.

We made changes to the functionality and maps on the FPE to make finding information easier, particularly in places where there are many measures near to each other. We also created a guide to support FPE navigation.

There were a number of cross cutting themes from the consultation on the draft FRMP, which led to changes across all FRMPs. The changes reflect areas where responses identified common themes for improvement or which needed to be further clarified. Some of the general changes we have made include:

• explaining more about our approach and commitment to partnership working
• expanding on the information about NFM including its types, benefits and outcomes
• providing additional details about the role of catchment partnerships and the importance of the catchment-based approach
• clarifying how the FRMPs align with other plans and strategies including the national FCERM strategy and RBMPs
• greater clarity on the historic environment, with a change to a national measure to include adaptability and resilience of the historic environment, and additional wording to explain how we will work with others to maximise opportunities and minimise effects
• providing additional information on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• increased clarity with regard to climate change and the contribution of FRMP measures to climate resilience
• explained the methodology used to identify FRAs in the preliminary flood risk assessments and provided clarification that no groundwater FRAs have been identified
• greater explanation with regard to funding
• made improvements to flood plan explorer

Some of the comments we received could not be addressed through changes in the FRMPs. Some comments identified local issues which need consideration at a local level. These were passed to our and LLFA’s local teams and these are being considered. In addition, some comments related to our and the government’s wider remits. The ‘you said we did’ document provides further detail on these aspects.

Changes made to the South East RBD FRMP

The South East RBD FRMP has been amended in response to the consultation feedback.

Partnerships

We have strengthened the current wording to explain the value and our continued commitment to working in partnership with key stakeholders which include Catchment and Coastal Partnerships, water companies, flood action groups, internal drainage boards and other community and environmental groups.

We have emphasised the role that integrated working will have in delivering the national FCERM strategy at a local level and responding to the challenges of climate change as it is recognised that this will be critical.

Impacts of development

We have strengthened our coverage of the specific challenge of development in the South East. This includes the role that RMAs have in influencing development proposals and seeking multiple benefits in association with planned development.

Confidence in flood risk area approach

In addition to national level text being updated in Part A, we have strengthened our explanation of the approach taken. We’ve provided further clarification that this does not impact the availability of funding for focus on areas that are not included.

Measures in the South East RBD

A small number of measures within the South East RBD FRMP have been updated. These changes clarify wording and supporting information around the measures rather than altering the aims or outcomes.

We have updated the ‘responsible authority’ and ‘supporting organisations’ information for measures in the Eastbourne and Hastings FRAs in response to feedback from our partners.

The ‘you said, we did’ document summarises the responses received on the draft FRMP also how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

5.3 Review of the changes

We have reviewed the changes to the FRMP as part of the SEA process. The main purpose of this was to determine whether they could create new or change the significant environmental effects identified in the assessment of the draft FRMP (see section 3 for an overview of these effects).

Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the South East FRMP. This supports the SEA conclusions on the assessment of alternatives and its approach to assessing the potential significant environmental effects of the FRMPs.

A substantial proportion of the changes to the FRMP are associated with additions to the supporting text or narrative. In some places the supporting text has also been restructured. These changes have primarily sought to provide additional information and help clarify aspects following the consultation responses. Changes made to the Part A national objectives and the Part B national measures have been minor text changes to clarify or strengthen them.

We have concluded that the changes made to the FRMP do not materially affect the SEA findings and likely significant effects identified. It also takes into account the changes made in response to the South East FRMP environmental report’s recommendations for mitigation and enhancement.

In addition, we have prepared a final HRA to assess potential effects on European sites. We consulted with Natural England in preparing the final HRA. None of the measures were identified as being likely to result in significant effects on any European sites. It was noted the measures may be non-specific to assess meaningfully, are already being implemented (thus having undergone HRA previously), subject to a separate consenting process (as applies to local flood risk management plans, shoreline management plans and coastal strategies), desk-based and involving no physical activity on the ground, remote from hydrologically vulnerable sites.

Overall, we consider the changes made to the FRMP are addressed by the findings of the SEA, HRA and the consultation processes.

6. How monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the FRMP will be carried out

6.1 Introduction

The SEA Regulations require significant environmental effects of the final FRMP to be monitored. This section outlines the actions we will take to monitor the significant environmental effects of the second cycle FRMP.

We will use existing monitoring and reporting mechanisms to monitor environmental changes. This information will be used to determine whether the second cycle FRMP might contribute further to reducing potential environmental conflicts or make a greater contribution to the achievement of environmental objectives. It will not be possible to determine whether any changes can be directly attributed to the second cycle FRMP because there are too many other influences on environmental change for a direct relationship to be identified.

The environmental topics that are being proposed for monitoring are identified below. The SEA only identified potential positive significant effects in relation to population and human health and inter-relationships. However, given the uncertainty that has been acknowledged in this report over the likely impacts of the plan on other environmental topics, it is proposed to monitor a wider range of topics. In particular, the overall positive effect on biodiversity, flora and fauna is dependent on delivery of biodiversity net gain on development schemes. Regular review and monitoring of this delivery is fundamental.

Monitoring of progress towards the national FCERM strategy objectives, via the FCERM Strategy Roadmap, and of the FRMP will help to identify areas that need review and action in relation to the environmental ambitions of the plans. Please see FRMP Part B for further information on how we will monitor implementation of the FRMP.

In addition to the monitoring proposed below, our process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to further assure that management, mitigation and monitoring occurs at a project level. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where appropriate, and many projects will require planning consent.

6.2 Population, human health and material assets

We are required to periodically report to Defra about flood and coastal erosion risk management outcomes. Data on the changes in the number of households and businesses at risk of flooding and those better protected from flooding is already collected and reported on for outcome measure 2.

Strategic objective 1.1 of the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England action plan states that ‘between now and 2050 the nation will bolster its resilience to flooding and coastal change’ and outlines a number of actions to help deliver it. Monitoring conducted to understand the extent to which this objective is achieved will be relevant also to understanding the extent to which second cycle FRMP resilience objectives and the respective benefits for people and human health are being achieved across RBDs.

6.3 Biodiversity, flora and fauna

Annual monitoring is already undertaken to determine the length of rivers improved to help show progress toward meeting the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations 2017 objectives. Over the lifetime of the plan we would expect to see the number of rivers reduce where flood risk management is a contributing factor in a rivers failure to achieve good status or potential.

We and other RMAs also report on outcome measure 4 (OM4), which measures:

• km of water body improved
• hectares of habitat improved
• hectares of habitat created

We will also undertake monitoring associated with the implementation of biodiversity net gain (as set out in the 25 year environment plan and included in the Environment Act 2021).

6.4 Water

We undertake monitoring of the water environment to meet the requirements of the water environment regulations. Indicators used include water quality, ecology (for example invertebrates, fish) and morphology. Over the lifetime of the plan, we would expect to see a reduction in the number of rivers where flood risk management is a contributing factor to its poor status.

6.5 Climatic factors

The second cycle FRMP include measures that aim to help adapt to and increase resilience to climate change. General reporting and monitoring on implementation of these measures and their effectiveness will form a good indicator of progress. Furthermore, under the Climate Change Act 2008 we are required to report to Defra on climate change adaptation. Elements of the report that are relevant to the South East RBD FRMP include:

• working with our customers and partners to adapt to a changing climate
• climate resilient investment
• building the evidence base

Tools and methods, such as carbon budgets, are being developed by us to manage the reduction of carbon emissions to contribute our ambition to be a net zero carbon organisation by 2030. While a significant number of local authorities have declared a climate emergency and might be expected to reduce their carbon emissions there is no consistent method of monitoring this. It is therefore likely that our data will be used as an indicator of the performance of the wider programme.

7. References

CaBA, 2021. Chalk stream strategy. Chalk stream strategy - CaBA

IUCN, 2018. UK peatland strategy. UK strategy. IUCN UK peatland programme

List of abbreviations

Abbreviation	Description
AONB	area of outstanding natural beauty
BNG	biodiversity net gain
DWMP	drainage and wastewater management plan
EIA	environmental impact assessment
ENG	environmental net gain
FCERM	flood and coastal erosion risk management
FPE	flood plan explorer
FRA	flood risk area
FRMP	flood risk management plan
HRA	habitats regulations assessment
LFRMS	local flood risk management strategy
LLFA	lead local flood authority
NFM	natural flood management
RBMP	river basin management plan
RMA	risk management authority
SACO	supplementary advice on conservation objectives
SEA	strategic environmental assessment
SMP	shoreline management plan
SoEP	statement of environmental particulars
WFD	water framework directive

Glossary

Area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB): areas formally designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) to protect parts of the countryside of high scenic quality that cannot be selected for national park status as they do not have opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Adaptation: means anticipating appropriate action to prevent or minimise the likelihood and consequences of flooding and coastal change. It has been shown that well planned early adaptation action saves money and lives late.

Baseline: a description of the present state of the environment with the consideration of how the environment would change in the future in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of natural events and other human activities.

Baseline studies/survey: collection of information about the environment which is likely to be affected by the project.

Biodiversity net gain: an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand by creating or enhancing habitat.

Catchment: a surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a river. A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the groundwater part of the river flow.

Coastal erosion: the loss of land due to the effects of waves and, in the case of coastal cliffs, slope processes (such as high groundwater levels). This may include cliff instability, where coastal processes result in landslides or rock falls.

Conservation area: an area designated under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 to protect its architectural or historic character.

Cumulative assessment: assesses the combined impacts of several projects within an area, which individually are not significant, but together amount to a significant impact.

Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment and setting environmental policy.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA): is an assessment process applied to both new development proposals and changes or extensions to existing developments that are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Environmental net gain: net gain is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand. The aim of environmental net gain is to reduce pressure on and achieve overall improvements in natural capital, ecosystem services and the benefits they deliver.

Environmental report: the document produced to describe the strategic environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a strategy.

Flood defence: a structure (or system of structures) that reduce the risk of flooding from rivers or the sea.

Flood plan explorer: a new, online, map-based tool which displays all of the measures proposed as part of the second cycle of flood risk management plans in England.

Flood risk area: areas identified through the preliminary flood risk assessment process where the risk of flooding is significant nationally for people, the economy or the environment.

Flood risk management plan (FRMP): a statutory plan prepared by the Environment Agency and LLFAs under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. The plans are reviewed and updated every 6 years.

Flood and coastal erosion risk management: Managing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion to people, property and the natural environment through minimising predicting and managing the risk.

Green infrastructure: includes a range of environments such as parks, playing fields, woodland, street trees, rights of way, allotments, canal tow paths, green walls and roofs

Habitats directive: EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation (Natural habitats and wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of International or European conservation importance. Sites are designated as special areas of conservation (SACs), special protection areas (SPAs) and/or ramsar sites. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network.

Habitats regulations assessment: any developments in or close to a special area of conservation or a special protection area are subject to the habitat regulations for approval of Natural England.

Historic England: officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England. A public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. They protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. Historic England are the government statutory advisor on the historic environment and are funded largely by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Internal drainage boards: a public body that manage water levels in an area, known as an internal drainage district, where there is a special need for drainage.

Lead local flood authority: these are county, unitary or metropolitan boroughs that are responsible for managing flooding from surface water, smaller watercourses and groundwater.

Mitigation measures: actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for adverse effects.

Natural England: Natural England is an executive non-departmental public body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us.

Natural flood management: implementation of natural measures which help to alleviate the risk of flooding. They can be used in conjunction with more traditional engineering techniques.

Nature based solutions: are the sustainable management and use of natural features and processes to help address societal and environmental challenges.

Preparedness measure: a measure (action) which aims to prepare people for flooding. Examples include flood forecasting and warning, flood emergency response planning and improving public preparedness for flooding.

Prevention measure: a measure (action) which aims to avoid putting people or the environment at risk of flooding. Examples include watercourse regulation, flood risk modelling and mapping and development planning and control.

Protection measure: a measure (action) which aims to better protect people from the risk of flooding. Examples include building flood defences, nature based solutions and asset maintenance.

Recovery and review measure: a measure (action) which aims to use learning from flood incidents. Examples include reviewing lessons learnt from flood response, supporting communities, businesses and the environment to recover from flooding.

Risk management authority (RMA): the collective of organisations who are responsible for flood and coastal risk management in England, including the Environment Agency, lead local flood authorities, district councils and internal drainage boards.

River basin district (RBD): large river catchments in England. They cover an entire river system, including river, lake, groundwater, estuarine and coastal water bodies.

River basin management plan: statutory plans developed by the Environment Agency which set out how organisations, stakeholders and communities will work together to improve the water environment.

Scheduled monument: nationally important historic sites, buildings or monuments identified by Historic England and designated by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Any work affecting a scheduled monument must gain consent under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).

SEA directive: European Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment”.

SEA regulations: the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (England) (SI 2004 1633) are the regulations transposing the SEA directive into UK law.

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA): is a process designed to make sure that significant environmental effects arising from proposed plans and programmes are identified, assessed, subjected to public participation, taken into account by decision-makers, and monitored. SEA sets the framework for future assessment of development projects, some of which require environmental impact assessment (EIA). SEA is carried out according to the requirements of the SEA regulations.

Sustainable development: a concept defined by the Brundtland report (1987) as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”,

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDs): approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenity are collectively referred to as sustainable drainage systems (SuDs). SuDs mimic nature and typically manage rainfall close to where it falls SuDs can be designed to transport (convey) surface water slow runoff down (attenuate) before it enters watercourses.

Water body: a unit of surface water being the whole (or part) of a stream river or canal lake or reservoir estuary or stretch of coastal water A groundwater water body is a defined area of an aquifer with geological and hydrological boundaries to ensure consistency and avoid fragmentation.

Water framework directive (WFD): EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management. The WFD sets out environmental objectives for water status based on ecological and chemical parameters, common monitoring and assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration and planning and a programme of measures to meet the objectives. This is transposed into UK law through the Water Environment Regulations 2017.