Position statements

We have significant concerns about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill’s current omissions and provisions related to flood risk and resilience. With increasing flood events linked to climate change, the Bill must do more to protect communities from the escalating threat of flooding.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a vital component of modern flood risk management, designed to mimic natural drainage processes and reduce surface water runoff from new developments. Despite its potential, Schedule 3 remains unimplemented in England, while Wales has successfully adopted these requirements. The delay has left a critical gap in flood risk management and community protection.

The government must stop new homes being built in areas of current or future flood risk, enforce strict planning controls on developers, and urgently implement mandatory sustainable drainage systems under Schedule 3.

The National Flood Forum advocates for the right solution in the right place. While

Property Flood Resilience (PFR) can play a role in mitigating the impact of flooding on

homes and businesses, it is not a standalone solution.

We believe stronger statutory protections, higher assessment standards, and meaningful community involvement are urgently needed to ensure planning decisions genuinely protect people and properties from flooding.