MP receives answer to question on management of storm water within Thames Gateway

Dr. Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to promote the development of an integrated approach by local authorities, developers, highways authorities and water companies to the management of storm water within the Thames Gateway growth area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Woolas: Planning Policy Statement 25 on Development and Flood Risk promotes the strategic consideration of flood risk at all levels of the planning process. This is done through a constructive partnership approach between local planning authorities, the Environment Agency and other stakeholders, in the early consideration of, and planning for, new development in flood risk areas.

In the Thames Gateway, strategic flood risk assessments, which are co-ordinated by the Environment Agency, are providing all stakeholders with a common understanding of risk from all forms of flooding.