Lead local flood authority planning application advice services

You can get paid-for advice from the Lead Local Flood Authority on the management of surface water and proposed surface water sustainable drainage systems for major development proposals.

Why use the service

  • Early identification of potential surface water issues regarding your proposed development
  • Advice on surface water aspects of your proposed flood risk assessment and surface water sustainable drainage strategy
  • Guidance on how to comply with national policy, guidance and standards, including the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
  • Where applicable, advice regarding any ordinary watercourse consent requirements in connection with your development proposal

When to use the service

  • Before submitting a major planning application with surface water drainage
  • To address issues raised by Lead Local Flood Authority on live applications. For example, if your proposal has received an objection regarding surface water flood risk or surface water drainage
  • To assist with the discharge of conditions recommended by the Lead Local Flood Authority

Using this service helps you submit a stronger application and reduces the risk of an objection from the Lead Local Flood Authority.

How to use the service

  1. Complete the application form and prepare your supporting evidence
  2. Email your application to suds@lancashire.gov.uk or via post, ensuring all supporting evidence is included within your application
  3. If your application is valid, you will then receive an invoice requesting payment for the service
  4. Once you have paid and we have received this fee, we will be in touch to arrange a technical meeting
  5. Following the meeting, we will provide written advice summarising the key discussion points within the timescales set out in our Terms of Service

Cost and timescales

The cost of your application will depend upon the size of your site area and which service you choose (standard or fast track).

Fast track is available for quicker turnaround where time is critical for your proposal.

Site area   Standard fee Fast track fee

Small site: Up to and including 1 ha

 £1,140.00 £1,368.00

Medium site: 1.01 ha to 2 ha

 £1,500.00 £1,800.00

Large site: 2.01 ha to 10 ha

 £2,210.00 £2,652.00

Strategic site: More than 10.01 ha

 £3,280.00 £3,936.00
Indicative timescales Standard fee Fast track option

Technical meeting duration

 Up to 2 hours Up to 2 hours

Meeting held within

28 days of payment

14 days of payment

Written advice issued within

7 days of meeting

7 days of meeting

Documents