Policy Review In order to explain the architectural response to flooding in the
underpinning planning” (p.2 ibid) and bases this principle on the
UK, this chapter will provide an overview of government policy as
classic definition given by the Brundtland Report:
it applies to flooding and development. Development policy in the main is controlled by the Town and Country Planning system, this
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
system is comprised of a body of national policy that then informs
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
regional policy and finally plan making, objective setting and
their own needs” (Brundtland 1987).
decision making at a local level. Government policy therefore has an indirect influence over all development taking place in locations
In terms of flooding PPS1 states that local planning authorities
affected by flooding across the UK.
should consider : “the potential impact of the environment on proposed developments
National planning policy is framed in overarching terms by
by avoiding new development in areas at risk of flooding and sea-level
Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 1, Delivering Sustainable
rise, and as far as possible, by accommodating natural hazards and the
Development (DCLG 2005), which sets out a set of objectives
impacts of climate change” (DCLG 2005 p.8)
that need to be “taken into account by regional planning bodies […], the Mayor of London […] and local planning authorities
Planning authorities also have a responsibility to prepare robust
in the preparation of local development documents (p. iii DCLG
policy that are based on objectives for the future of the area,
2005). PPS1 makes “sustainable development the core principle
objectives that should include ensuring that developments “are
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