Poll expresses flood plain fears

A new survey has shown that most people would not want to live on a house built on a site prone to flooding.

Insurance company esure has said that 87 per cent of respondents would refuse to buy or live in a house constructed on a flood plain, with 93 per cent of people stating they would check out the potential flood risk to a home if they moved.

Such information is available from the Environment Agency.

The company has backed the stance taken by the Association of British Insurers over the issue of flood dangers this week, which has led to it questioning the government's future house-building plans.

Esure head of risk and underwriting Mike Pickard said: "Esure supports the ABI's stance that tougher planning controls are needed for new builds."

Yesterday the ABI said 13 developments had been given the go-ahead despite warnings from the Environment Agency about them being in high-risk areas.

Those looking to build their own home way wish to make sure the plot of land they purchase is not in a flood-prone area, unlike the house they might otherwise have to buy.


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