Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Written evidence from Flood Re highlighted that the Agency does not have responsibility for surface...
Conclusion
Written evidence from Flood Re highlighted that the Agency does not have responsibility for surface water flooding and it has concerns about the impacts of developments in dense urban areas where surface water flood risks are high. It also has concerns that there is an inconsistent approach to climate change risk in the planning review process, and that local authorities lack skills and support to take a long-term view. It also highlighted the disconnect between the developers who financially benefit from new housing developments and those who face the consequences of it not being sustainable or insurable in the future. Current planning guidance allows developers to build houses in a flood risk area as long as there is space for flood defence measures to be installed in the future, but with no obligation on the developer to pay for future mitigation measures.34 31 Q 61 32 Written evidence submitted by the Association of British Insurers, MFR0002, 14 January 2021; Written evidence submitted by Flood Re, MFR0003, 14 January 2021. 33 Qq 65–66 34 Written evidence submitted by Flood Re, MFR0003, 14 January 2021. 16 Managing food risk
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.