Thousands of new homes will be in areas at risk of flooding

MORE than 5,000 new homes in areas at higher risk of flooding in England have been approved to be built this year, according to a report.

Analysis of more than 16,000 planning applications between January and September 2021 was carried out ahead of Flood Action Week this week.

Researchers found 200 permissions granted for 5,283 homes where more than 10 per cent of homes are already at significant risk of flooding.

The report was commissioned by LV General Insurance (LVGI), working with independent think tank Localis.

They warned that, with a need for new homes, England is likely to see many more properties built in areas at high risk of flooding.

Martin Milliner, claims director at LVGI, called for developers, insurers and government to take a “holistic approach” to building on floodplains.

“While we welcome the government commitment to increase housing, we have concerns about the UK’S resilience to future flood events, and in particular the number of new housing developments in flood risk areas that are still receiving approval,” he said.

Andrew Whitaker, at the Home Builders Federation, said: “Policy already directs development away from areas liable to flooding. Where there is no other choice, or sites in high flood risk zones are the most sustainable sites for other reasons, developments have to meet stringent mitigation requirements set out by the Environment Agency.”

The Government said: “Floodplain development should be avoided where possible, and protections must be put in place when building in these areas is necessary – we expect local planning authorities to follow this guidance.”