Keele neighbourhood plan representations

KE9 Environment Agency

Date: 28 September 2026

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you for your email consulting us on the Keele Neighbourhood Plan (NP) (Reg 16) (dated June 2026) on the 4 August 2026.

We have previously provided comments on the Keele NP Regulation 14 in our letter dated 6 March 2026 (letter reference SV/2023/111608/OR-06/PO1-L01).

We have reviewed the submitted documents and would offer the following comments.

Water Framework Directive (WFD) Catchment

It is noted that the Keele NP area falls within three catchments. One of these includes the Checkley Brook - Upper Water Body which is currently afforded ‘good’ ecological status. The second area includes Park Brook Catchment (trib of Trent) Water Body which is currently afforded ‘moderate’ ecological status. The third catchment is Meece Brook from Source to Chatcull Brook Water Body which is classed at ‘poor’ ecological status.

Further information can be found here: England | Catchment Data Explorer

Flood Risk

Based on our Flood Map for Planning, the site is entirely within Flood Zone 1, the low-risk zone.

We note there is an unnamed ordinary watercourse to the southeast of the site (site 1 on Figure 2) which flows to that direction and it falls outside of the development boundary. This ordinary watercourse is un-modelled based on the scale and nature of the stream and receiving catchment (less than 3km2).

It should be noted that the Flood Map provides an indication of ‘fluvial’ flood risk only. You are advised to discuss matters relating to surface water (pluvial) flooding with the Councils drainage team as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Site Allocations

We note the are no strategic site allocations within the NP for housing. However, there is a strategic site allocation relating to the Keele University and Science Park (originally it was allocation E8 employment development from the Local Plan, it is now referred to as KL13 in the adopted local plan). The NP suggests that this has been recognised in the Core Spatial Strategy.

According to the NP, policies relating to strategic sites in the parish are:

  • KL13 Keele Science Park Phase 3
  • KL15 Land South of A525 Keele
  • SP11 (2) Golf course

We do not offer detailed bespoke advice on policy. We would advise you ensure conformity with the Local Plan and utilise the attached Environment Agency Guidance and Pro-forma which should assist you moving forward with your plan.

Yours faithfully

Miss. Georgia Edwards

Planning Officer, Sustainable Places