Are We Planning To Flood? How Can Planners, Developers And Communities Work Together To Build Safer Places For The Future?

Date: 
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 - 09:00
Location: 
SOAS, University of London

Every year thousands of homes, businesses and people are affected by flooding.  At the National Flood Forum, we support people living with flood risk and they tell us that one of their main concerns is proposals for development that will increase their flood risk.

Whether it’s new, planned or permitted development, or the threat of flooding from existing new builds, people are worried that their lives will be placed at risk. Yet with a growing population, an increasing demand for housing, an ageing infrastructure and the effects of climate change, the impact of flooding is likely to increase and with it the human and economic costs.

So, what can we do now to make sure we’re planning and building flood resilient communities for the future?  How can planners, developers and local people work together to ensure that existing and new developments are sustainable – not just today, but in 30 years-time?

Are we planning to flood? will be an opportunity to address these issues.

Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Defra Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for flooding, is confirmed as the keynote speaker alongside industry professionals and community representatives who will consider:

  • How do we know that current development will result in flood resilient communities in future?
  • What is the evidence our planning system is helping to reduce our flood risk?
  • How can planners and developers work with communities to reduce flood risk?
  • What do we need to do to create a society that is willing and wants to adapt?

Join us on 1 February 2017 to:

  • Discuss the development challenge from the community, developer and planner perspective.
  • Hear about successful partnerships where developers and communities are working together.
  • Learn about innovative projects where flood resilience measures have been built-in retrospectively to reduce flood risk.

For information about bookings and prices, please see the event website.