ABI: Moves to strengthen planning process good news

Tuesday, 06, Dec 2005 12:00

Government moves to strengthen and clarify planning guidance for proposed new property developments will help ensure that new homes can continue to obtain flood insurance the ABI (Association of British Insurers) said today.

In its response to the Kate Barker review of housing supply, the Government have recognised to ABI concerns by:

·Further strengthening planning guidance in a new Planning Policy Statement, making the Environment Agency a statutory consultee.

·Reviewing any proposed major developments where the Environment Agency objects on flood risk grounds.

“The Government’s ambitious plans for new home developments will only be sustainable if the flood risk is adequately managed”, said Jane Milne, the ABI’s Head of Household and Property.

“A strong, consistent and clear planning process is essential to ensure sustainable new communities and the continued availability of affordable flood insurance. ABI research has shown that, in the South East alone, plans for new developments could increase the annual flood cost by £55million. The Government’s intention to further strengthen the planning process will help deliver truly sustainable communities, with residents having full access to flood insurance.”

ABI also welcomed Defra’s announcement today that next year’s flood defence investments were fully allocated, and that plans for 2007 –08 were in hand.

Jane Milne said:

“It is vital that these funds are targeted on existing communities facing flood risk, and that we do not store up problems for the future by building in the wrong places.”