At our recent events for property developers, agents, contractors and consultants over 90% of attendees said that flood risk assessment in the region was a serious concern following an increase in flooding UK-wide over recent years considered to be as a result of climate change.

Last year, the UK witnessed several devastating cases of flooding and, for the construction industry in the East of England, it is an issue that is rising to the top of the planning agenda.

As part of Prettys’ Developers Club programme, we hosted seminars in Ipswich and Chelmsford, with guest speakers from the Environment Agency and consultancy Southern Ecological Solutions to discuss the issues of flood assessment and prevention on planning applications. Ian Seeley, from our specialist construction team also provided legal guidance and case studies for developers on this increasingly important topic.

When surveyed, attendees stated that to facilitate the delivery of development projects safely, swiftly and cost effectively, they would like increased access to decision makers, (such as the Environment agency, planning and local authorities) followed by more online guidance and resources.  Enhanced training provision was also cited as a beneficial way to improve knowledge of the issues.

Commenting on the issue, Ian Seeley said: “We are increasingly being asked for legal advice around the issue of flooding as it becomes an important issue on the planning agenda. As more information about climate change comes to light and developers in the UK see the effects that flooding can have, understanding the legal implications of flooding has become essential for all developers.”

Prettys represents individuals and businesses in every part of the property industry and the Developers’ Club provides an ongoing programme of events, seminars, legal updates and newsletters to the property and construction sector. 

 Speakers at Prettys Development Club

Speakers at Prettys Developers’ Club Event, Chelmsford (L-R) Ian Seeley(Prettys), Barbara Taylor, Catherine Robaldo, Rachel Moss (Environment Agency) and Stuart Pankhurst (Southern Ecological Solutions Ltd)