The site is located within Flood Zone 3b and therefore is designated as functional floodplain. The proposal is to raise the land to form an outdoor storage area for manure, silage and maize and would result in agricultural development in an area where only water compatible development or essential infrastructure is permitted. The proposal is incompatible with the designated flood zone and would likely result in the loss of floodplain storage of surface water, which has the potential to increase flood risk elsewhere. The proposal to increase the ground levels of the site and the laying of hardstanding will result in an increase in impermeable surfaces and therefore increase surface water run off from the site onto adjacent land. The raised area of land would also be within close proximity of an existing watercourse with no buffer area provided. The proposal as submitted lacks information regarding how surface water will be managed and would result in an increase in rate and flow of surface water into the watercourse and increasing flood risk overall. The proposal is contrary to Policy D1 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan and advice contained within paragraphs 66 and 67 of the Planning Practice Guidance.

The application as submitted does not contain supporting information which adequately addresses the potential impact of the development (which could be a major source of emissions of ammonia which is directly toxic to vegetation and to lower plants) with regards to air quality or water based pollutants and as a result the development does not comply with the requirements of policy D24 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan.