Spelthorne Borough Council to produce new planning guidance on flooding

10 December 2025

Spelthorne Borough Council is continuing to work closely with Surrey County Council, the Local Lead Flood Authority, and the Environment Agency to provide greater clarity on how flood risk from all sources, including groundwater, is considered in planning applications.

This work reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to listening to residents’ concerns about flooding and ensuring their feedback shapes the guidance and standards applied to new development.

Early in the new year, the Council will begin preparing a Flooding Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) with support from flood specialists, which will provide;

clear guidance for development in areas where all types of flooding, including groundwater, must be considered
set out requirements for basements and foundations
explain when hydrological risk assessments are needed, what they should cover, and how they will be evaluated

Once the consultation on Further Modifications to the Local Plan is complete and the Planning Inspector’s report is received, the Local Plan will be presented to Council for adoption. Following adoption, a series of Supplementary Planning Documents, including the Flooding SPD, will be brought forward to offer detailed guidance on key planning issues.

Cllr Beecher, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said:
“Flooding is a key concern for our residents, and this Administration has heard clearly the need for stronger, more transparent guidance. The forthcoming Supplementary Planning Document will provide clear and detailed direction on how flooding will be assessed through the planning process. We will ensure residents’ voices continue to inform our approach via a public consultation on the draft document.”

Visit the Local Plan website for updates and further information.