To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to review planning guidance issued by his Department in respect of development on flood plains following the recommendations made in the Pitt Report on the summer flooding 2007. (279311)

Sir Michael Pitt’s review of the summer 2007 floods found that the policy approach in Planning Policy Statement 25, “Development and Flood Risk”, (PPS25) is sound and should be rigorously applied. The Government agreed with the review report’s recommendations on planning and flood risk. We are therefore continuing to keep the operation and effectiveness of PPS25 under review.

We are currently considering what amendments it would be appropriate to make to update the Practice Guide to PPS25, which provides practical advice to local authorities on implementing the policy, to ensure the guidance remains relevant and clear.