Unsaleable, uninsurable, uninhabitable - tougher planning controls needed for new homes, says the ABI

Unsaleable, uninsurable, uninhabitable – tougher planning controls needed for new homes, says the ABI

Unsaleable, uninsurable, uninhabitable – tougher planning controls needed for new homes, says the ABI

Tougher planning controls are needed if flood insurance is to remain widely available for new homes, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) said today. Of the three million new homes the Government plan to be built by 2020, a third could be on the floodplain.

Speaking at the Architects’ Journal conference today, Justin Jacobs, the ABI’s Assistant Director of Property, warned:

“The Government’s ambitious housing plans are in jeopardy unless we reduce the flood risk. In the last year, 13 major developments have been given the go-ahead despite Environment Agency advice on the flood risk. Where a local authority plans to ignore flood risk advice, the Government should step in and review the proposals and be compelled to publish their decision. Insurers want to continue to provide flood cover, but poor planning decisions will lead to more homes becoming unsaleable, uninsurable and uninhabitable.”

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Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:
Alan Leaman 020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482 330)
Jonathan French 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk