Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Despite the known risks, there are still plans to build houses on flood plains.
Conclusion
Despite the known risks, there are still plans to build houses on flood plains. While government policy is not to build on flood plains unless unavoidable, the Agency’s analysis indicates that there could be a large increase – of up to 50 per cent - in the number of houses built on flood plains over the next 50 years. The Agency is working with MHCLG on reforms to the planning system and is also a statutory consultee on planning applications; it says that in 99% of cases its advice is accepted by the planning authority. However, the Agency does not have responsibility for surface water flooding which sits with the lead local flood authority, the risk of which can be increased with developments in urban areas. There is also a disconnect between the developers who financially benefit from new housing developments and those who face the consequences of it not being sustainable or insurable. Recommendation: Planning policy guidance notes should be strengthened to avoid new builds in areas prone to flooding wherever possible, but in any case, the environment agency should be involved in measures to mitigate the risk. The Department should report to us by July 2021 on the outcome of its discussions to 8 Managing food risk date with MHCLG on reforms to the planning system and how this will mitigate the risks of building on flood plains and other flood risk areas including those at risk from surface water flooding. This should consider approaches to ensure developers guarantee property can be insured and contributes to flood mitigation measures The Department should work with MHCLG to • ensure mandatory reporting on planning decisions approved in flood risk areas – particularly when the Agency disagrees. • ensure mandatory installation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new builds • consider changes to building regulations to include mandatory flood protection measures in new builds such as raised electrical sockets, fuse boxes and sealed floors Managing food risk 9
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 8.2 Government agrees that not building in flood prone areas is and should remain a key principle but recognises that in some parts of the country there may not be any alternative space to develop and support economic growth. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) already provides a strong steer to avoid development in high-risk areas, including strict tests to protect people and property from flooding. Where these tests are not met, national policy and guidance is clear that new development should not be allowed. 8.3 Where development is considered necessary, it should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere, while also providing wider sustainability benefits to the community. The recent consultation on changes to the NPPF clarifies some aspects of policy from the emergent findings of our review of planning policy for flood risk. The Planning White Paper is committed to ensuring that the reformed planning system will support our efforts on avoidance of flood risk. A response later this year will set out decisions on the proposed way forward. 8.4 The Agency has an important role in the planning system and is a statutory consultee for the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans. The Agency must be consulted on planning applications in flood risk zones 2 and 3, and in areas with critical drainage problems. It can also provide standing advice on flood risk assessments for certain developments. The vast majority of planning decisions are determined in line with the Agency’s advice, over 95% in 2019-20, and over 97% of new homes proposed complied with the Agency’s advice.