Applying the Sequential Test in the preparation of a Local Plan

2014-03-26T16:05:51Z

In a local plan area with a high proportion of flood zone 2 and 3a i am looking for some advice on how to apply the Sequential Test to the process of allocating housing targets for specific settlements (in light of the recently published NPPG).

The NPPG states that:

"As some areas at lower flood risk may not be suitable for development for various reasons and therefore out of consideration, the Sequential Test should be applied to the whole local planning authority area to increase the possibilities of accommodating development which is not exposed to flood risk".

Can anybody offer his or her understanding of this? Should we be applying the Sequential Test prior to or after concluding a settlement hierarchy on the basis of role and function of settlements?