§ John MannTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many flood plains in England have been given planning permission for housing in each of the last five years. [147737]
§ Keith HillData on planning permissions granted within the flood risk areas defined by the Environment Agency is not collected or held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the160W Environment Agency and local planning authorities report annually under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA's) High Level Target 12 on consultations on developments in floodplains and the extent to which the decision follows the agency's advice. The report for 2002–03 can be found on the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister land use change statistics show that for the period 1998 to 2001, 9 per cent. of land that changed to residential use in England was in flood risk areas, and 12 per cent. of new dwellings were in the areas defined by the Environment Agency as at risk from coastal or river flooding. Some 64 per cent. of these were on previously developed land, much of which was defended against flooding to an appropriate minimum standard. About 12 per cent. of the land area of England is within the river and coastal flood risk areas.