About this course

In England, planning for flood risk is achieved through a sequential, risk-based approach to development that starts with the principal aim of steering new development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding. Where applicable, the exception test ensures development in areas of flooding is justified when suitable lower risk sites cannot be identified. This training module walks through application of the exception test for individual planning applications. This course is aimed at planning and flood risk officers engaging with the development management function of local planning authorities. This course follows on from the course titled ‘Using the sequential test in decision making’, and participants should complete this course first so that this module is understood in the context of the sequential approach to planning.
Have you completed the sequential test course first?

Course curriculum

    1. Before you begin

    2. Learning outcomes and course structure

    1. Moving on to the exception test

    2. Sequential and exception tests process - flowcharts

    3. The process (text version)

    1. Overview

    2. Exemptions from the exception test

    3. Wider sustainability benefits to the community

    4. Safe without increasing risk elsewhere and will reduce risk overall

    5. Balancing factors to reach a decision

    1. Testing your knowledge

    2. Case study example 1

    3. Case study example 2

    1. Summary

    2. Evaluation

About this course

  • Free
  • 15 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will:

  • Know when the exception test must be applied.

  • Understand which sources of flood risk need to be accounted for.

  • Be aware of the common challenges with applying the exception test and how to avoid them.

  • Understand roles and responsibilities when applying the exception test.

  • Know the steps local planning authorities can take to improve the consistency and efficiency of applying the exception test.

Instructors

Meet the instructors for this course

Sam Kipling

FCRM Senior Adviser, Environment Agency

Sam joined the Environment Agency in 2004 and spent 14 years working in Yorkshire on a wide range of planning policy and development management work - including marine planning and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Sam now works in the Agency’s national Strategy and Resilient Places team, where he works closely with Government on planning reforms with a focus on flood risk, coastal change and sustainable drainage. He was a member of the task and finish group set up by Government to lead its policy review of development in flood risk areas and subsequent update to planning guidance. Sam has a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography and an MA in Town and Country Planning.

Celia Davis

Projects & Policy Manager, TCPA

Since joining the TCPA, Celia has managed the TCPA’s work on planning for climate change including the production of guidance, advice and training for local authorities and communities. Celia has an MSc in Urban Planning from the University of the West of England and is a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI).