Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if his Department will review the guidelines on sustainable drainage system requirements under planning policy for new developments in areas with recorded incidents of flooding; and if he will make a statement.

There are strict tests in national planning policy and guidance to protect people and property from flooding. The National Planning Policy Framework is very clear that new development should only be considered appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where it gives priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems. The Framework is underpinned by planning guidance, including guidance on sustainable drainage systems which was strengthened last year.