Government in £860million crack down on developers who build on land at risk ...

Government in £860million crack down on developers who build on land at risk ...
Government in £860million crack down on developers who build on land at risk ...

House builders are set to be banned from starting new projects on land at risk of flooding as part of an £860million climate change plan to bolster Britain's defences.

Environment Secretary George Eustice, 49, will today announce a crack down on developers who build on land at risk of flooding, as part of a new six-year scheme to reinforce flooding fortifications across the country.  

Plans for 1,000 defence schemes, improvements to flood insurance and fresh restrictions for builders will be revealed by the Government today, reports The Telegraph.

The updated policy comes as 866 homes were awarded planning permission in 2019-20, despite warnings from the Environment Agency over flooding concerns. 

New guidance for local council's planning departments will see cases where the Environment Agency raises an issue with flood risk directly escalated to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick - who will be able to block 'inappropriate developments'.

Mr Eustice, writing in The Telegraph, argues: 'Climate changes means more extreme weather, a higher risk of flooding events and coastal erosion. 

'All too often, we are seeing households suffering repeated flooding.'

The Government's new scheme plans to crack down on developers who build on land at risk of flooding as 866 homes were awarded planning permission in 2019-20, despite warnings from the Environment Agency over flooding concerns. Pictured: Boris Johnson in January 2021

The Government's new scheme plans to crack down on developers who build on land at risk of flooding as 866 homes were awarded planning permission in 2019-20, despite warnings from the Environment Agency over flooding concerns. Pictured: Boris Johnson in January 2021

Environment Secretary George Eustice, 49, (pictured) is set to unveil the Government's £860m six-year plan to tackle flooding and climate change today

Environment Secretary George Eustice, 49, (pictured) is set to unveil the Government's £860m six-year plan to tackle flooding and climate change today

Mr Eustice explained that the Government will launch a consultation later this year for communities that are frequently hit by flooding, alongside the £860m plans to bolster UK-wide water defences. 

Recent flooding mayhem has shattered communities across Britain in the last 12 months, with Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge all causing roads, businesses and homes to suffer from severe flooding.

Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Weardale, County Durham are expected to be the first areas to benefit from the first tranche of funding.  

Flood-resistant paint, flood doors and brick covers are said to be among the improvements mooted, alongside more stringent insurance for at-risk properties.

And refined water surface maps will also be provided to better inform millions of people across the country of the risks of flooding in their area. 

Funds will also be allocated to projects that fortify river embankments, develop new wetland and wooded areas, and slow the tide of upstream rainwater that affects at-risk rivers across the country.

In the UK, homes, businesses and roads have been struck by flash flooding this year. Above: Part of St Ives, Cambridgeshire is submerged after heavy rainfall brought by Storm Jorge

In the UK, homes, businesses and roads

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