Flood risk must be addressed
April 8, 2005
Several London boroughs are unaware that they are at risk from serious flooding and defences could easily be breached, according to environmental experts.
London Assembly's environment committee was this week told how many parts of London in the Thames Gateway area were at risk.
The committee was told how in east London tributaries pouring into the Thames were a problem.
Members heard how a major flood could cost the capital billions.
Liberal Democrat London Assembly Environment Spokesman, Mike Tuffrey, called for some of the new homes and businesses in the area to be built on stilts to prevent flood damage and make sure they get flood insurance.
Mr Tuffrey said residential and commercial development on high flood risk sites should be built several feet above ground level to reduce the potential damage from flooding and enable owners to get adequate insurance.
A report published earlier this year by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) highlighted that the flooding risks caused by new developments Thames Gateway could add over £47million to the annual bill. An extreme flood in the Gateway could lead to damages in excess of £16 billion.
Mr Tuffrey said: "Climate change is bringing higher sea-levels and increasing the risk of flooding in areas like the Thames Gateway.
"With over 85,000 homes in total planned for the Gateway's floodplains and £19billion worth of assets at stake, it is vital that new and innovative ways are put forward in the Gateway area to reduce the threat from flooding." He added: "While building properties on stilts may seem novel to people in London, this sort of development is commonplace in places such as Atlanta and Zanzibar. People know that to avoid the threat of flooding, their houses need to be built above water level.
"It is vital that the Mayor, insurance companies, developers, Ministers, and local authorities get round the table to establish responsible, innovative planning measures and secure reliable funding to protect homes in the Thames Gateway from flooding.
"Without sustained co-operation and financial backing, some new buildings in the Gateway will be in danger of turning into an uninsurable and uninhabitable white elephants."
This story was first published on the This Is Local London website.
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