Flood and Water Management Act 2010: A Trojan Horse?
What is it about?
Following the devastating floods in England during the Summer of 2007, the independent review, conducted by Sir Michael Pitt, concluded that, "the current lack of clarity and transparency [on responsibility for flood defence] has the potential to put not only peoples homes, but lives in jeopardy".
Lawyers Alistair Watson
The Government response to the Pitt report is the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Its principal aim is to provide better protection from flooding and better management of water supplies but the additional provisions included in the Act may well have unexpected and unanticipated impacts on present and future land use, development and construction.
Under the Act, new protection is provided for land features that may affect flood risk, which may have a direct effect on what you can do with your land.
A new permitting requirement is also introduced with regard to drainage systems, which may inhibit construction or development.
How will this affect me? What should I do?
