Houses can be built on floodplains despite failing safety test, says high court
Summary
A high court ruled that houses can be built on floodplain land in England and Wales even if they fail a key safety test designed to protect against flooding. This decision allows a controversial housing development in north Somerset to go ahead, despite concerns from government agencies, local authorities, and residents about increased flood risks.Key Facts
- The high court judgment allows building on floodplains even if the development fails the "sequential test," which checks if safer sites are available.
- The ruling affects a plan for 190 new homes in north Somerset, in a high-risk flood area called "flood zone 3a."
- Local councils, politicians, and residents opposed the development due to flood risk concerns.
- The Environment Agency and others had objected, but the court accepted the developer’s argument about the project’s wider benefits and safety measures.
- The decision is seen as setting a national example that developers might use across England and Wales.
- Some government officials want to change the national planning rules to prevent similar cases in the future.
- The flooding and flooded communities all-party parliamentary group will meet the housing minister to seek changes in the planning framework.
- Local residents are worried the ruling will increase flood danger near their homes and reduce their property safety.
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