In recent years, the pressing issue of constructing homes on flood-prone areas has gained significant attention. According to a new report by the think-tank Localis, planning permission has been granted for over 7,000 homes on England’s most vulnerable floodplains. This development prompts a critical examination of the balance between satisfying housing demands and ensuring the safety and resilience of new communities. The report discloses that 7,116 new homes have been approved, either fully or conditionally, to be built on undeveloped floodplain land across 12 council areas, which have the highest proportion of homes at risk of flooding. Notably, 1,006 of these homes received approval in just the first half of this year.
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The urgency to construct new housing is undeniable, particularly under the new Labour government’s ambitious pledge to build 370,000 homes annually over the coming five years. Yet, this ambition must be tempered with a commitment to protect residents from the escalating threat of flooding. The UK has recently experienced its wettest 18 months on record, compounded by severe weather events such as Storms Babet and Ciaran. With an estimated 5.5 million properties in England at risk of flooding, the need for robust flood defences and meticulous urban planning has never been more critical. A Friends of the Earth policy report highlights that the UK has become 7% wetter over the past 40 years, alongside a sea level rise of 1.6 cm—trends likely to persist as climate change advances.
Navigating the dual objectives of constructing new homes and enhancing flood resilience presents a formidable challenge. Jonathan Werran, Chief Executive of Localis, underscores the necessity for a cohesive policy-making approach, advocating for the government’s flood resilience taskforce to be empowered to develop new defences and critically assess existing schemes. Such an approach would ensure the effective integration of flood resilience measures into the planning system, safeguarding communities against the growing threats posed by climate variability.
The report identifies 12 high-risk areas, including South Holland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Boston, and Exeter, where over 10% of properties face substantial flood risks. These regions confront the complex task of accommodating new housing developments while mitigating the inherent risks linked to their geographical vulnerabilities. Local authorities hold a pivotal role in this process. While the Environment Agency offers guidance on flood risks, the ultimate decision to approve or deny planning applications lies with local councils. David Renard, the housing and environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, emphasises the necessity of ensuring adequate flood defences when permitting construction in high-risk zones.
Addressing these challenges requires a shift in policy and regulatory frameworks to hold developers accountable for the sustainability and insurability of new developments in floodplain areas. Enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to revitalising and future-proofing flood insurance schemes. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and exacerbate the frequency of extreme events, a comprehensive approach to flood management becomes increasingly urgent. This approach encompasses not only the construction of new homes but also the reinforcement of communities to adapt to and coexist with the realities of flooding.
By fostering collaboration among government entities, developers, and insurers, the UK can cultivate a more resilient housing strategy that addresses both present and future challenges. Ultimately, the decision to build on floodplains must be made with a judicious assessment of risks and long-term impacts on communities. While the demand for housing is irrefutable, it is equally imperative to ensure that new developments are safe, sustainable, and resilient in the face of a changing climate. Through thoughtful planning and strategic cooperation, the UK can strike a balance that meets both housing needs and the essential requirements for flood resilience.
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