Devon MP launches online petition against government “utter madness” plans to make it easier to build in flood-hit areas

Devon MP, Richard Foord has launched an online petition against government proposals to water-down important and established protections against flooding in national planning guidance.

Mr Foord, who represents the Honiton & Sidmouth constituency, is urging local people to sign and share the petition widely, before the government makes its decision in the coming weeks.

He has condemned the proposals that are being consulted on, in a letter to Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook, describing the proposed changes as “utter madness.”

The most recent adverse winter weather event, Storm Chandra caused widespread devastation and dozens of local properties to flood across Devon. Road closures remain where sections of highway have been destroyed .

Mr Foord said: “It would be utter madness to worsen this policy, which already falls short.  Climate change will mean that the risk of flooding will become ever more widespread.”

The house insurer, Aviva, states that since 2013/14, over 100,000 homes were built in national floodzone 3 – locations at highest risk of flooding.

“The Environment Agency is expert in mitigating flood risk and has updated its flood map for planning, significantly expanding the number of areas now classified as at risk from surface water flooding.

“The long-established precautionary principle in relation to flooding is at risk of being swept away if this weakened policy approach is adopted.”

Mr Foord has urged Mr Pennycook to strengthen the flood-risk precautionary principle, instead of weakening it.

“I know that this is an issue that many people will quite rightly feel very upset about. I urge people to sign and share the link rapidly and widely. As soon as there enough signatures I will present the petition in parliament.”