New homes will be better protected from flooding following changes to planning guidance, the Government has announced.
Updated planning guidance published today will help councils make sure developments meet strict criteria in locations at risk of flooding before they are approved, to ensure local communities aren’t negatively impacted as a result.
The move aims to ensure that developers across England can adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and that new homes are sustainable.
Under the changes to the planning practice guidance developments, councils will be better placed to apply Government policy, where new homes in areas at risk of flooding, should meet recommended standards on flood resilience – for example, using flood resilient building materials or moving plug sockets higher up walls.
Local areas will also have access to better guidance on how to control surface water run-off, with the use of sustainable drainage systems to enhance the quantity and quality of water in the region, as well as local biodiversity.
The guidance also highlights the opportunities new development can bring to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding through the use of natural flood management techniques.
The new planning guidance forms part of the Government’s mission to level up and regenerate communities by delivering sustainable and lasting homes.
It will also support delivery of the government’s policy statement on flood and coastal erosion risk management and help to achieve its long-term goal to create a nation more resilient to flood and coastal erosion risk.
Reaction
Martin Milliner, claims director at LV= General Insurance:
“We welcome the Government’s announcement today to help ensure new homes are better protected from flooding with changes to planning guidance.
“This is a crucial issue, and our research commissioned last year uncovered that over 5,000 new homes in areas at the highest risk of flooding had been approved to be built in 2021 alone.
“Flooding is an extremely traumatic event which has a devasting impact on a person’s life, both physically and mentally.
“By different sectors working together, we can ensure homeowners are better protected for the future.”
