RLA : RPI : 'Built-in flood resilience to be required' by landlords

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other artilces from the August / September 04 issue

Built-in flood resilience to be required - August / September 2004

Although future flood plain developments have not been ruled out, a proposed new Government strategy would require developers building in such areas to incorporate flood protection measures.

Overall land use policy should look to reduce, 'and certainly not add to', the overall level of flood risk, said the Government in its consultative paper Making space for water.

The new strategy proposals, which look forward 20 years, are a response to the Foresight programme's recent predictions that the frequency and severity of flooding will increase over the next 100 years because of climate change and other pressures. They will replace the current strategy for flood and coastal defence, which is now 11 years old.

'Climate change means we may well see more and worse flooding in the future', said Minister for Environment and Agri-Environment at Defra, Elliot Morley. 'We must factor in and plan for this across the board, working closely with the insurance industry and other interested parties, so that the adverse consequences for people and for business are minimised'.

The Government hopes to publish a final strategy, containing an action plan and commitments to regular reviews, in early 2005.

other artilces from the August / September 2004 issue

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