§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to local planning authorities on development on flood plains. [135131]
§ Ms Beverley HughesMy hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced on 13 April 2000,Official Report, columns 249–50W, the publication of a consultation draft of a new Planning Policy Note 25, "Development and flood risk". This set out proposals to strengthen the existing policy, which seeks to avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood risk. The draft is currently being revised in the light of consultation responses as well as any lessons to be learned from the recent flooding incidents. The new guidance is expected to be published in December this year.