Performance by local authorities on government flood risk policy
Keywords: Flooding, Local authorities, Sustainable development
Although local planning authorities are taking on board the message about not developing inappropriately in the flood plain, the Environment Agency is concerned that some are not always following clear government policy, which is designed to ensure that development needs can be met without creating unnecessary flood risk. The Environment Agency wants to see sustainable development that is located in the right place at the right time. Better application of national policy is vital, the Agency says, to allow the important strategic development needs of the country to be met without placing people and property at risk. Most local authority development plans do now include flood risk statements or policies, and newer plans reflect the advice in Planning Policy Guidance (PPG25) on development and flood risk, the Environment Agency reports.
