Latest figures published by the Environment Agency show that between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015 the Agency objected to a total of 3238 planning applications on flood risk grounds.

The statistics are published as an annual list of Environment Agency objections to planning applications on an individual Local Authority basis on the grounds of flood risk and water quality. A total of 361 applications were refused on water quality grounds.

The objections cover a wide range of developments, including Residential, Renewable Energy Schemes, Offices/Light Industry , Agriculture, Caravan Sites, Heavy Industry/Warehousing, Recreational Schemes,  Marine Management and Educational Institutions.

Planning objections in relation to flood risk included unsatisfactory flood risk assessments submitted, unsatisfactory measures to address risks of surface water flooding, development next to a watercourse/flood defence, and risk to life and / or property.

Objections related to water quality included:

• Non-mains drainage proposed in sewered area
• Insufficient information - water quality
• Mains drainage - unacceptable risk to water quality
• Unacceptable risk to water quality
• Non-mains drainage – unacceptable risk to groundwater/surface water

The vast majority of objections related to planning applications made to Local Authorities – other organisations included the National Parks and the Marine Management Organisation.

The Environment Agency said the list will help local authorities complete their annual monitoring reports which help measure the effectiveness of local planning. It will also help local authorities to submit information on the Single Data List to government.

Click here to download the list.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Flood Defence and Prevention Expo and conference in London in December