Stricter flooding controls on new properties

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by Kay Murchie

Flood risk is becoming a significant factor in the UK property construction sector so tighter controls on drainage designs will be introduced over the next few years.

A new legislation was introduced at the end of 2006 called PPS25 (Planning Policy Statement 25) which makes new developments in the flood plain subject to tighter controls.

Each time developments such as hospitals or schools are to be located in a flood risk area, a flood risk assessment must be provided as part of the planning process.

It has been established that around 10% of the land area of the UK is at risk from floods.

The government reached an agreement in 2005 with the insurance industry which guarantees that homes at risk of flooding can still purchase cover.