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

Paralegal Officer Legal and Democratic Services

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £27,254 per annum pro rata
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal Officer to join our Legal and Democratic Services team Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Head Chef

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220
If you're passionate about crafting memorable food experiences and managing a high-performing kitchen team, we want to hear from you. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£44,355 - £53,120 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Social Worker

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£Competitive
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Environmental Services Monitoring Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£32,962 - £36,791 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Services Monitoring Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner