Yes. Flood risk, surface-water drainage, watercourse crossings, groundwater, erosion, pollution pathways and the effect of development on catchments can be material. The applicable policy and regulatory framework differs by jurisdiction.

A useful representation identifies the relevant flood source or water receptor and engages with the applicant’s flood-risk, drainage or hydrological evidence.

Sources and further information
GOV.UK: Environmental Impact AssessmentScottish Government: National Planning Framework 4Welsh Government: Planning Policy WalesDepartment for Infrastructure NI: Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2Last checked: 25 September 2026

Identify the water receptors and the pathways by which the development could affect them.

These can include rivers, burns, lochs, groundwater, private water supplies, wetlands, floodplains, drainage systems and downstream properties.

Separate construction risk from operational drainage.

Sediment, concrete, fuel, excavation and temporary crossings can create construction risks, while permanent tracks, hardstanding, culverts and drainage can alter runoff and flow pathways during operation.

Check the design event and climate assumptions.

For flood modelling and drainage design, identify the rainfall or flood event assessed, climate-change allowance, blockage or sensitivity assumptions and the proposed treatment of exceedance.

Check crossings and culverts individually where they matter.

A site-wide conclusion can conceal local constraints. Compare watercourse-crossing schedules, drawings and flood information with the actual access and cable layout.

Look for reliance on later detailed drainage design.

Some detail can appropriately be secured later, but the application should contain enough information to demonstrate that a feasible drainage strategy exists without transferring unacceptable risk elsewhere.

Use local flooding evidence carefully.

Photographs, dates and observations of actual flooding can be useful evidence. Identify the location and conditions rather than assuming one event proves the applicant's model is wrong.

Sources and further information

GOV.UK - Flood risk and coastal change

Welsh Government - TAN 15: Development, flooding and coastal erosion

Scottish Government - Information to be included in an EIA Report

Last checked: 26 September 2026