HC Deb 28 November 2000 vol 357 cc545-6W
32. Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he is giving inspectors on appeals relating to planning applications in balancing housing need against regulations of the Environment Agency in cases involving potential flooding. [138968]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Planning guidance is a material planning consideration which inspectors, as well as local planning authorities, must take into account in reaching their decisions.

In addition to the general guidance in Circular 30/92 on "Development and Flood Risk", which is being updated in PPG25, guidance on housing is given in PPG3 on "Housing". This requires the assessment of the suitability of sites for housing against flood risk, taking into account that such risk may increase as a result of climate change.