In some parts of England the Environment Agency may be consulted on less than 60% of planning applications on known floodplains. Even where the agency is informed of the development but objects to the project, some 20% are still approved by the local authorities.
In many cases the agency is not even informed of the outcome when it has objected.
The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has now called for stronger planning controls to ensure that new homes are built in the lowest risk parts of the floodplain.
Arguing for a strengthening of existing arrangements, the ABI says the government should insist that planners should be compelled to take note of Environment Agency advice.
Specific points:
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The Environment Agency should be consulted on all developments proposed in flood risk locations. They should also be informed of the outcome of all applications to which they have objected.
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Future flood risk, including climate change, should be used to prioritise locations for new housing, rather than current risk levels.
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Regional and local development plans should consider preventing large accumulations of developments in the floodplain.
Jane Milne, the ABI’s Acting Head of General Insurance, said: "We recognise the need for new housing, and the pressure this places on identifying suitable land. However, as the impacts of climate change intensify, the long-term sustainability of new communities could be threatened unless the government puts in place strong measures to ensure that the flood risk is adequately managed."
"In this way, insurance can continue to be available to the vast majority of homeowners.”
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