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.