The Government have launched their new planning white paper for consultation

The Planning for the future consultation proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.

It has received a torrent of hostile commentary – apart from the house builders

• The most fundamental reform since WWII – A Race to the bottom – lots of links in this Guardian article
• Susdrain Blog
• Over-simplifying the planning system could speed up nature’s decline  Wildlife leaders – Wildlife & Countryside Link
• RIBA – New proposals are “shameful” and will create the next generation of slums 

Planning and the water sector are very closely linked with building on flood plains probably the biggest issue. The adequate provision of water resources for new housing in another major concern. The implementation of SuDS – long delayed by Housing company interests – is another issue that will need to be clear in the new proposals.

It will be interesting to read an assessment from the water sector. 

Flood RE published 8 Point Plan for the Flood Insurance Market

The UK government must not increase flood risk through inappropriate housing development under a new eight-point plan published today by Flood Re. Presented to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee, the plan also calls for a significant, widespread and rapid increase in the installation of property flood resilience (PFR) measures. Moreover, Flood Re said that investment in flood risk management, and flood defence building and maintenance, must provide long-term clarity with funding settlements lasting a 10-20 year period  …  www.theactuary.com

The Government have rejected the idea of a national minimum standard for flood resilience.