Environment agency given stronger role to protect people and homes

Citation

(2007), "Environment agency given stronger role to protect people and homes", Structural Survey, Vol. 25 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2007.11025bab.005

Environment agency given stronger role to protect people and homes

Keywords: Floods, Housing, Environmental regulations

Development proposals in flood risk areas will now come under greater scrutiny with the Environment Agency being granted new powers. From 1 October 2006 the Environment Agency is a statutory consultee on all development planning applications where there is a risk of flooding. Mark Southgate, the Environment Agency’s Head of Planning, welcomed the new duty: “An unavoidable consequence of climate change is that the goal posts have shifted with regard to flood risk management. Planning processes must adapt if we are to encourage new development without placing people and property at risk. Local Planning Authorities must now consult the Environment Agency before making any decision on planning applications for developments in areas of greatest flood risk. They will also have to consult the Environment Agency on all large scale developments – over one hectare – wherever they are located, to ensure that surface water run-off will not cause flooding elsewhere.” The Government’s policy for managing flood risk is currently set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 25 “Development and Flood Risk” (PPG25), published in 2001. Its main aims will be clarified and strengthened in the new Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) due out shortly.