The building of as many as 25,550 new houses could put extreme pressure on England’s already stretched drainage systems, increasing chances of surface water flooding, according to a new report published by LV=.
LV= has joined forces with interior designer Gaby Blackman and flooding expert Dr Jess Neumann to design a ‘Flood-Proof Home of the Future’.
The new home features amphibious foundations that allow it to float like a boat, as well as a built-in escape route, designed to draw attention to the country’s flooding problem by showcasing the extreme measures that may be needed to protect homes in future.
Martin Milliner, claims director at LV= General Insurance, said: “As an insurer we see first-hand the very real and devastating impact flooding has on people’s lives.
“While we know the building of more homes is necessary to combat the housing crisis, the country is becoming less resilient to more extreme weather, and we must look at the future impacts this will have on our homes.
“The report highlights significant issues that continue to put an ever-increasing number of communities at risk, and it’s crucial property developers, insurers and local authorities work together to tackle this important issue.”
“With the creation of our Flood-Proof Home of the Future we want to draw attention to the impact flooding could have on this country in 50 years, by showcasing the extreme features homes of the future may need to have to guard against flood risk.
“Clearly, the installation of such sophisticated flood proofing is practically and financially out of the question for most homeowners, so it’s more important than ever we work to combat the problem before such extreme measures become necessary.”
Furthermore, the research shows planning permission has been requested for the building of 35,282 homes in minor developments containing between one and nine homes in areas already at risk of flooding.
Given the fact approval for these types of development was granted in 73% of cases in England over the same period, as many as 25,550 new homes may have been accepted, without any obligation to demonstrate the impact on surface water drainage in the local area.
This could significantly increase the chances of surface water flooding, as a result of the extra pressure new homes will put on already stretched drainage systems.
LV=’s report finds that while the building of these homes is subject to flood impact assessments for the development itself, there is no legal requirement to have a drainage strategy in place.
This is different to larger developments of over nine homes, which legally require this due diligence before planning is accepted.
New data from LV= GI shows flooding claims from drains being unable to cope increased by 211% between 2017- 2021.
In addition, of all flooding claims managed by the insurer, drains unable to cope represents 57% of claims, with the average cost per claim standing at £32,000.
According to existing data, the amount of rain from extremely wet days has increased by 17%, adding significantly more pressure on infrastructure such as drainage systems.
In England alone, some 5.4 million homes – one-in-six – are already at risk of flooding, with the majority of them particularly susceptible to surface water flooding.
Dr Jess Neumann, flooding expert, added: “In the not too distant future the public may find themselves needing to go to more and more radical lengths to protect their homes, livelihoods and loved ones from the potentially devastating impacts of flooding.
“The homes of the future could well require features such as underground drainage networks, built in flood defences and even amphibious foundations to withstand the levels of flooding we could see in 50 years.”
