Environment & Climate
High court permits floodplain housing despite failed safety test, report says
The Guardian reports that a UK court allowed a 190-home development on high-risk land, sparking calls for policy reform.
The short version
- A UK High Court decision allows a 190-home Persimmon Homes development in north Somerset's high-risk flood zone 3a to move forward despite failing a key sequential safety test.[The Guardian]
- A planning inspector found 12 lower-risk alternative sites, but ruled that the project's wider benefits and potential safety measures justified approval.[The Guardian]
- The Environment Agency, local councils, and residents opposed the plans, with locals reporting that major insurers are already refusing coverage for nearby homes.[The Guardian]
- Politicians and experts plan to lobby housing minister Matthew Pennycook to amend the national planning policy framework to avoid setting a nationwide precedent.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- The High Court allowed Persimmon Homes to proceed with 190 homes in flood zone 3a, the highest risk level before a functional floodplain.[The Guardian]
- Approval was granted despite failing the sequential test after an inspector identified 12 alternative lower-risk sites.[The Guardian]
- The Environment Agency and local government authorities opposed the planning application on flood risk grounds.[The Guardian]
- Tessa Munt plans to meet minister Matthew Pennycook to advocate for updates to the National Planning Policy Framework.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the government will modify the National Planning Policy Framework to prevent the ruling from serving as a precedent for future developments.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Houses can be built on floodplains despite failing safety test, says high courtThe Guardian - World