Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to facilitate the development of can-float homes in areas of flood risk; and if he will make a statement.

The National Planning Policy Framework seeks to protect people and property from flooding, steering inappropriate development away from areas at risk of flooding. Where development is necessary in a flood risk area, and where there are no suitable sites available in areas with a lower probability of flooding, it should be made safe, without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

The Framework does not specify the form and design of development. More innovative approaches, such as floating buildings, would need to be considered individually in the light of the particular circumstances of the site in question, including the local hydrology. The rate and depth of flow in times of flood and the risk of debris in fast-flowing floodwater striking a building, would be among the important considerations.

As with any proposal for new homes in a flood risk area, the developer would need to demonstrate to the local planning authority, having regard to advice from the Environment Agency, that the development would be safe and resilient for its lifetime, and not increase flood risk elsewhere. Where appropriate, this may also require safe access and escape routes and provision for emergency evacuation in times of flood.