Planning Guidance (Flooding) (Hansard, 14 November 2001)

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the Environment Agency regarding planning policy guidance on building in areas subject to flooding. [14839]

§ Ms Keeble
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Environment Agency have had three recent meetings with Ministers in this Department that included discussion of a range of issues, including planning and flooding.
In addition, officials meet and discuss regularly with their colleagues in the Environment Agency the implementation and effectiveness of the planning policy guidance on "Development and flood risk" published in July 2001.

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what criteria he uses to determine the calling in of planning applications, with specific reference to development in the flood plains. [14838]

§ Ms Keeble
My right hon. Friend's policy on calling in planning applications remains as stated by the then Minister for Planning on 16 June 1999,Official Report, column 138W. His policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. He will, in general, only take this step if planning issues of more than local importance are involved.
739W
With specific reference to development on flood plains, such cases could include, for example, those which, in his opinion: significantly conflict with national policies as expressed in Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 on "Development and flood risk"; could have significant effects on flooding beyond their immediate locality; or give rise to substantial regional or national controversy.
Each case will continue to be treated on its merits. However, the maintenance by the Environment Agency of an objection on a flood-risk ground to significant development proposals in flood plains would clearly influence the decision whether or not to call in an application. Call-in would be more likely if there was any evidence that the Agency's objection was likely to be over-ruled by the local planning authority without sufficient counter-balancing reasons having been taken into account.