New homes built in flood risk areas may be evaluated for flood-proofing construction and awarded certificates if they are considered worthy.

The scheme, which is being considered by insurers, mortgage lenders and builders, would reassure people that the construction will stand up to flooding and allow new owners to get adequate insurance even though the area where the house stands may be at flood risk generally.

The Times newspaper reported that Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, said the association was in talks about the scheme with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) and the Building Research Establishment.

“We’re not against properties being built, just those that are built in flood-prone areas without adequate protection being put in by builders,” Tarling said. “A certification scheme is something we’re considering.”

Particular concern about modular off-site pre-constructed homes has been expressed by the CML who say there is a lack of knowledge about how non-traditional methods of construction would stand up to flooding. This would be reflected in the insurability of at-risk properties.

“A certificate would reassure everyone that the construction would stand up to the flooding threat because, in the end, if it isn’t insurable, it isn’t mortgageable,” said Bernard Clarke, of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

The scheme will be of particular importance to government plans to build in the flood risk area of the Thames Gateway, where some 90,000 new homes are planned.

Many of these home will be pre-constructed to meet price and time constraints. Plans for green spaces in the Gateway area released yesterday give a clue to the government’s thinking about flood risk. “… The strategy makes it clear that the green space must also be multi-functional, in order to contribute to healthy living, sustainable flood protection, air pollution filtration…,” said the report.