Laura Sharman 29 July 2021

Tighter planning rules to protect communities from flood risk

Tighter planning rules to protect communities from flood risk image

Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval, under new guidance published today.

The Government said that while 97% of planning decisions for residential properties were made in line with Environment Agency (EA) advice last year, 866 homes that were contrary to the advice were granted planning permission.

As part of the Government's Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan, local planning authorities have been reminded to refer these planning decisions to Whitehall.

The Government is also considering how planning decisions in areas at risk from surface water flooding could be subject to the equivalent rules in future.

Communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, said: 'Our planning reforms will ensure that communities across the country know that future developments will be safe from floods.

'This new guidance will help local communities become more flood resilient by providing local authorities with the right tools to consider how flood risk can be prevented when planning for new homes.'

As part of the plan, the Government also announced more than £860m will be invested this year to deliver more than 1,000 flood alleviation schemes across England.

Photo: Alex Daniels / Shutterstock

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner