6.4.1 | Purpose of the SFRA

6.4.1 | Purpose of the SFRA

The purpose of the Appropriate Assessment is to determine the potential adverse effects of a plan or project (in combination with other plans or projects) on Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. These sites are protected by national and European law. Data and information on the plan and an analysis of potential effects on the site must be obtained and presented in a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

Failure to properly assess flood risk in previous land use strategies has caused economic, social and environmental issues due to land in unsuitable locations being developed, without appropriate consideration to flood risk and flood risk mitigation.

The objective of SFRA is to ensure the framework for determining investment decisions on the transport network takes account of flood risk in catering for future growth and can address planning and infrastructural needs required to facilitate projected growth.