Compliance with PPS25

A "no blame" discussion reviewing how far development is taking place that is at odds with PPS25, why this is, and what can be done about it was held on 11 June between colleagues from LGA/CLG/PAS - EA and POS colleagues had sent comments ahead of the meeting for discussion.

The Environment Agency High Level Target 5 report (see http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33704.aspx) gives detailed statistics on Development and Flood Risk cases in 2007/8. It is clear that the actual situation regarding the number of planning applications that were approved despite EA objections has declined significantly and in 2007/8 was 124 cases in total (a 9% reduction over the preceding 3 year period), of which 15 were major cases and 6 were wholly in areas of highest flood risk. Nearly 97% of decisions were in line with EA advice, with 99% of residential development approvals in line with EA advice.

Of around 650,000 total planning applications, around 9,000 were where the EA were consulted on flood risk grounds. 57,294 dwellings were involved in development proposals where EA had raised objections on flood risk grounds. Of these, 542 dwellings were actually approved (but not necessarily built) - the flood risk may have been alleviated by LPA conditions, but each case would need to be further analysed.

Despite this apparently negative position the meeting concluded that the situation seemed to be generally very positive and it is was important to clarify the scale of the problem both of planning applications being approved despite EA objections and PINS/SoS overturning rejected applications on appeal.

All POS members are encouraged to read the agreed note of the meeting and its action points by clicking here