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Housing: Flood Plains

Answer

The initial stage of protecting development of new housing in areas prone to flooding is through the planning system and requires that planning applications are supported by a flood risk assessment. This assessment will need to show that the development is safe; that it does not increase flood risk elsewhere; and where possible that it reduces flood risk overall. Where the planning process determines that it is reasonable for the development to proceed there may be a case for using modified forms of construction to mitigate the effects of flooding. Information on this type of construction was published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in May this year. Infrastructure, particularly electrical substations, is classed as essential infrastructure in planning guidance; this is a key factor in developing risk assessments. At a local level drainage systems should also not increase the flood risk to the buildings they serve. Sir Michael Pitt is currently investigating the effects of the summer floods and any lessons that emerge from that review will be carefully considered and responded to appropriately. This will include consideration of the need to review building regulations to take greater account of flood risk. We continue to have constructive discussions with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) at both ministerial and official level to understand and monitor how the insurance industry is dealing with policyholders who have been hit by the floods. Ministers from Communities and Local Government, Treasury, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform most recently met representatives from the ABI on 2 October to discuss recovery from the summer floods. A task group of officials from across the Government and a representative of the ABI meet regularly to address issues relating to the industry's role in the flood recovery process.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5659; 695 c116-7WA

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Construction Housing Infrastructure Floods Planning Home insurance

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk