Homes at risk revealed

Data revealed under the Freedom of Information act has found that over 7,500 new homes in the north-east of England alone are proposed to be built on flood plains.

A total of 7,593 houses are proposed to be constructed in flood-prone locations, including 2,000 in Hartlepool and Gateshead, plus 1,500 of those proposed in Sunderland, the Northern Echo reports.

The Countryside Alliance made the news public yesterday after obtaining the figures several months ago, in order to highlight the issue in a week when a report into the government's flood defence policies was produced.

MPs have criticised these policies, stating that defence plans were shown up by last summer's floods to be in an "unclear and chaotic state".

In addition, the environment, food and rural affair committee also stated that the £800 million pledged to be spent on flood defences by the 2010-2011 financial year was "far less impressive under close analysis".

Those wanting a newly built home but keen to avoid buying one in a flood-prone area may decide to opt for the self build method after sourcing a plot of land that is not in an at-risk location.


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