20251009_Plannning SFRA

The Council of the Isles of Scilly is the UK's smallest unitary authority, located 28 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall. The Local Planning Authority operates within the UK planning system and covers an archipelago with a population of around 2,200 across five inhabited islands.

The Council is seeking to commission a suitably qualified and experienced consultancy to undertake a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) to inform the evidence base for the Local Plan Review.

The Isles of Scilly faces unique flood risk challenges due to its coastal location, low-lying land, and climate change impacts. The SFRA will support policy development around flood risk management, sustainable development, and climate resilience.

2. Objectives

• To provide robust evidence to support the Local Plan and future planning decisions in relation to flood risk.

• To assess current and future flood risks across the islands, including tidal, surface water, groundwater, and climate change impacts.

• To identify flood risk constraints and opportunities for development.

• To inform site allocations and policy development in the emerging Local Plan.

• To provide spatial outputs (e.g., GIS layers) and recommendations for flood risk mitigation and adaptation.

The Isles of Scilly is a unique and sensitive environment with a small resident population (~2,200), high landscape and ecological value, and significant seasonal visitor pressure. The SFRA will ensure that the Local Plan complies with legal requirements and promotes sustainable and flood safe development.

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3. Scope of Work

• Review existing flood risk data and studies, including Environment Agency flood maps, climate projections, and local drainage information.

• Undertake a Level 1 SFRA for the entire Local Planning Authority area.

• Identify areas at risk from all sources of flooding and assess the impact of climate change.

• Provide guidance on the application of the Sequential Test and Exception Test.

• Recommend flood risk mitigation measures and adaptation strategies.

• Engage with stakeholders including the Environment Agency, local infrastructure providers, and community representatives.

• Provide spatial analysis and mapping of flood risk zones and constraints.