Policy paper

Review of policy for development in areas at flood risk

This review identified key areas of the planning process related to flood risk management and sets out actions the government will take to strengthen its approach

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and Environment Agency
• Published: 29 July 2021

Documents

Review of policy for development in areas at flood risk

PDF, 301 KB, 28 pages

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Details

The government's Planning for the Future policy paper announced a review of policy for building in areas at flood risk. In July 2020 the government published its Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy Statement (PDF) which included a commitment to maintain and enhance planning policies that direct new development away from areas at risk.

This review examined key elements of planning policy relating to flood risk and development. This review has concluded that the government has robust measures in place to protect people and property from flooding which all local planning authorities are expected to follow.

The review document outlines the findings and also sets out the actions the government will take and have already taken, such as clarifications to the National Planning Policy Framework, to ensure the safety of new developments from flooding now and in the future.

Published 29 July 2021