House of Commons · Westminster Hall
13 May 2025 · 21 other contributors · 10,603 words
Opened by George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk
Responding minister: Emma Hardy
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
George Freeman raised concerns about flooding: planning and developer responsibilities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Freeman requests that developers take responsibility and upgrade drainage infrastructure as part of new developments, addressing the issue of older villages unable to cope with increased growth due to inadequate existing drainage systems.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The issue of inland flooding is prevalent in Mid Norfolk and other areas. George Freeman highlights the serious flooding that occurred in 22 villages, affecting more than five houses at a time, with examples like Mill Lane in Attleborough where 100 houses flooded last autumn due to sewage washing between homes.
Asked about the Government’s plans to tackle flooding problems in new housing developments.
The hon. Member agreed with making water companies statutory consultees in the planning process to ensure proper infrastructure can support new developments.
Acknowledged the record investment in flood defences and emphasised the importance of partnerships and sustainable development practices. She also discussed planning policies aimed at reducing flood risk.
Highlights a case in Playhatch where development causes flooding, urging the government to make sustainable drainage provisions statutory.
Expressed concern over the increasing frequency and severity of flooding, citing specific figures for recent claims and property damage in Norfolk. Urged the Minister to grant local communities more power and funding to address these issues effectively.
Raises the issue of professional consultees not having equal weight as statutory consultees in development discussions, supporting the idea that water companies should be made statutory consultees for medium to large developments.
Discussed coordination issues, insurance challenges, and the need for updates on Flood Re’s remit.
Critiques historical planning failures that have worsened flood risks in low-lying coastal regions of Chichester district, advocating for water companies to be statutory consultees and calling for better alignment between development plans and up-to-date flood risk methodologies.
Shannon points out that old systems, where storm drains and sewage are combined, cannot cope with heavy rainstorms. He questions Freeman about solutions for both new and existing developments to address the issue.
Flooding is a priority for Shrewsbury residents and businesses. Over £16 million has been invested in flood protection projects along the River Severn catchment. New datasets help individual residents and businesses assess flood risks.
Described local flooding issues in Reading and endorsed the work to bring landowners together.
Developers in Mike Martin's constituency have mixed surface run-off with foul water, which is illegal. There should be consequences for such actions to prevent similar issues in the future.
Addressed flood impacts on residents, highlighting problematic areas and urging for better planning and infrastructure investment.
Presents an example from Carlisle where developers are building homes that can flood safely, suggesting responsible innovation in design.
Discusses recent flooding incidents at Meadow Mill in Stockport, highlighting the need for more funding from the Environment Agency and addressing the significant insurance costs faced by residents affected by floods.
Moore echoed concerns raised in the debate, acknowledging the impact of flooding on communities and farmers. He highlighted progress made by the previous Government since 2010 but also stressed the need for more to be done.
Discusses the importance of local elected officials in decision-making for community and environmental protection.
Developing homes without proper provision for flood alleviation or sustainable drainage could be a costly mistake. The Government should consider the impact of man-made climate change on flooding and ensure that new developments are prepared for future extremes.
Asked about the draft Bill addressing internal drainage board levies and called for a permanent, full-time solution to funding issues related to IDBs in his constituency where 43p of every pound collected in council tax goes towards these levies. Called for cross-departmental solutions and funding support for internal drainage boards’ pumps.
Argues for the importance of local knowledge in planning decisions and supports new clause 7 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Siddiq acknowledges surface water flooding in Hampstead, where the risk is higher than for rivers and seas. She supports City Hall's surface water strategy and emphasises the role of developers in managing such risks.
Government Response
Emma HardyThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Minister thanked all hon. Members who contributed to the debate and acknowledged important points made by various MPs regarding surface water flooding, internal drainage boards, flooding and insurance, flood action groups, and maps. She also clarified that funding for flooding has not been cut, with a record £2.65 billion investment over two years.