Flood hazard maps
20.—(1) A flood hazard map is a map which identifies flood risk areas and shows—
(a)the likely extent (including water level or depth) of possible floods,
(b)the likely direction and speed of flow of possible floods, and
(c)whether the probability of each possible flood occurring is low, medium or high (in the opinion of the person preparing the map).
(2) The floods to be included are those for which a significant flood risk has been identified under regulation 13 or 14.
(3) But the following may be ignored—
(a)a medium or high probability flood caused only by groundwater,
(b)a medium or high probability flood which would affect only an area of coastline that, in the opinion of the person preparing the map, is adequately protected against flooding.
(4) In paragraph (3) “groundwater” means water which is below the surface of the ground and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil.
(5) For the purposes of this regulation—
(a)the probability of a flood occurring is low if the chances of it occurring in any 12 month period are 0.1% or less,
(b)the probability of a flood occurring is medium if the chances of it occurring in any 12 month period are more than 0.1% but not more than 1%, and
(c)the probability of a flood occurring is high if the chances of it occurring in any 12 month period are more than 1%.
(6) The information included in a flood hazard map must not be inconsistent with the information included in the river basin management plan for the district.
(7) In this regulation and regulation 21 “river basin management plan” means a river basin management plan prepared under regulation 11 of the Water Environment Regulations.
(8) A lead local flood authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Environment Agency about the form of flood hazard maps.