Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 92
The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the...
Recommendation
The engagement of communities in the development of local plans is already inadequate, and the proposed reforms to the planning system must not compound this problem. Greater community involvement in planning decisions in many areas at flood risk would have the twin benefits of building trust and contributing valuable technical knowledge about drainage issues. The Government should develop national guidance on incorporating local knowledge of flood risk into planning decisions, the development of local plans and the preparation of strategic and site-specific Flood Risk Assessments.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government highlights its White Paper's proposals for deeper community engagement in local plan development and the statutory duties of lead local flood authorities. However, it does not commit to developing specific national guidance on incorporating local knowledge of flood risk into planning decisions and flood risk assessments, only stating it will consider content.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
92
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
Engaging with local communities on the development of local plans is an important part of the process and that is why the Planning for the Future White Paper proposes that local planning authorities radically and profoundly re-invent the ambition, depth and breadth with which they engage with communities as they consult on local plans. The Government’s planning reforms will democratise the process by putting a new emphasis on engagement as plans are developed and anticipate that neighbourhood planning will continue to form an important aspect under these reforms. The Government will also consider whether the content should become more focused to reflect its proposals for local plans, as well as the opportunities which digital tools and data offer to support their development and improve accessibility. Lead local flood authorities have a statutory duty to lead on local flood risk management in their area and the development of a local flood risk management strategy. Many have set up local partnerships which bring together key local stakeholders, including other risk management authorities, to contribute towards developing, maintaining, applying and monitoring the local strategy. Lead local flood authorities are also statutory consultees for major planning applications with surface water drainage implications.
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