Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance he has recently issued on building on the flood plain. [164349]

Nick Boles, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning: The National Planning Policy Framework, together with supporting Technical Guidance on flood risk, was issued on 27 March 2012. The Framework is clear that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided. Local planning authorities should direct development away from areas at highest risk, including floodplains, but where development is necessary, it must be demonstrated that it is safe and will not increase flood risk elsewhere. The supporting guidance explains how key aspects of the policy should be implemented.

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