Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Planning (Flooding) 2025-06-24

24 June 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Blake Stephenson raised concerns about planning (flooding) 2025-06-24 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Stephenson moved that leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the consideration of flooding risk in the planning process.
  • He argued that local authorities often fail to adequately understand and address flood risks, resulting in developers bypassing policies designed to prevent construction on floodplains without proper drainage.
  • Mr Stephenson cited the village of Maulden as an example where upslope developments have led to increased flooding.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire

Mr Stephenson moved that leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the consideration of flooding risk in the planning process. He argued that many local authorities fail to properly understand and consider flood risks, leading developers to circumvent policy intended to prevent development on floodplains without suitable drainage infrastructure. Mr Stephenson cited examples such as the village of Maulden where upslope developments have caused significant increases in flooding, despite residents taking houses they were encouraged to take by the Government. He proposed making internal drainage boards statutory consultees for planning decisions and introducing a presumption against development that would increase flood risk.

Other contributors (1)
  • Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire

    Mr Stephenson emphasised that the Bill aims to address the failure of local authorities to properly consider flood risks in planning, and highlighted the case of Maulden where upslope developments have significantly increased flooding risk. He proposed that internal drainage boards should be made statutory consultees for certain planning decisions and suggested amendments to schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning Order 2015.

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