There has been national reporting today about research from the insurer Aviva claiming one in nine new homes is at risk of flooding.
Some of the figures quoted in Aviva’s research are misleading as they don’t factor in flood defences currently in place. For example, much of the Cities of London & Westminster are in a flood risk area but are defended by the Thames Barrier.
Development is sometimes necessary in areas at risk of flooding because there are no alternative sites. Our policy is very clear that new development in these areas should only be granted if it can be demonstrated that the development will be safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and should reduce flood risk overall where possible.
In 2024/25, 96% of all planning decisions complied with Environment Agency advice on flood risk, and in the same year, 99% of proposed new homes in planning applications complied with the Agency’s advice on flood risk.
Last September we published updated flood risk guidance setting out common sense changes for builders which clarify the planning rules in places affected by the risk of surface water flooding. The changes reflect our safety-first approach, making clear that all development in these locations must be safe from flooding, but recognise that measures can sometimes be put in place to mitigate this risk such as new drainage systems.
Our proposals will see a win-win for local communities, building the homes that working people and families desperately need whilst helping to protect properties and surrounding areas from flooding.
A government spokesperson said:
“These figures are misleading as the research doesn’t even factor in flood defences in place. We will build 1.5 million homes without compromising on safety, and our planning proposals will ensure that development should not go ahead where it would be unsafe due to flood risk.
“This is alongside investing a record £10.5 billion for flood projects which will benefit nearly 900,000 properties by 2036.”
https://mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/18/response-to-claims-on-housebuilding-and-flooding/
seen at 16:34, 18 February in MHCLG in the Media.