Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on...
Conclusion
The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on flood plains unless there was no alternative and that any developments on flood plains should not increase the risk of flooding. The Agency is a statutory consultee on planning applications that may increase flood risk. It said that its advice is accepted by the planning authority in 99% of cases. It is also working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on planning reforms.33
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.