The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on flood plains unless there was no alternative and that any developments on flood plains should not increase the risk of flooding. The Agency is a statutory consultee on planning applications that may increase flood risk. It said that its advice is accepted by the planning authority in 99% of cases. It is also working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on planning reforms.33

The Agency told us that the government’s current strategy was not to build houses on flood plains unless there was no alternative and that any developments on flood plains should not increase the risk of flooding. The Agency is a statutory consultee on planning applications that may increase flood risk. It said that its advice is accepted by the planning authority in 99% of cases. It is also working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on planning reforms.33 Type: conclusion | Number: 29 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 8.2 Government agrees that not building in flood prone areas is and should remain a key principle but recognises that in some parts of the country there may not be any alternative space to develop and support economic growth. The National