Draft National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England

It is a mistake to undervalue the importance of farmland as a national asset. It is unreasonable to expect rural communities to endure flooding as a result of the surface water from new development upstream and for them to bear the associated financial burdens. When permitting new developments or when considering new environmental initiatives, long term strategic plans must be in place to mitigate further flood risk, ensuring rural homes remain safe and dry and that farmers and growers can continue to carry out their lawful businesses.