Councils urged to take tough line on flooding risk

The Government has published new guidance for planning authorities on dealing with flooding risk when deciding on new housing development.

Five steps are highlighted in a good practice guide written to accompany PPS 25, the planning policy statement on flooding.

Councils are advised to:

• identify what the flood risks are including river/sea breaches, inadequate drainage and surface water runoff or sewer problems.
• avoid risk by prioritising non-flood areas first for new development.
• critically assess whether the need for a new development outweighs flood risk, including following Environment Agency advice.
• control flooding using sustainable drainage and good design.
• ensure all new buildings that have to be in areas that might flood are resilient and safe.

Planning minister Caroline Flint said: "We saw very clearly last summer the devastating potential of severe storms. We can't prevent heavy downpours or abandon those already living in flood plains but wherever possible we need to make sure councils are avoiding or reducing the risk of flooding in their communities.

"The Government has put tough planning rules in place for flood risk areas that we need councils to enforce. To help them we are issuing a five-step guide to planning new homes so councils have no excuse for failing to protect their communities."

Access the new practice guide (PDF, 4405kb)

Roger Milne

12 June 2008