More than 80 industry professionals came together to discuss the issue of flooding and the possible impact for developing housing and business premises in the East Midlands.
At the event, held at University of Nottingham Innovation Park on 1 April, David Balmforth, Vice-President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), who leads the Institution’s work on flooding assessed the impact of recent flooding events such as those which occurred in the UK in 2007.
With flooding set to increase as climate change brings more frequent severe weather and higher precipitation levels, we must be prepared to deal with the increased risk to our communities.
He explained the ICE’s view that the potential risk for flooding must be a key issue taken into account when new developments, both residental and commercial, are planned.
The East Midlands has the fourth highest number of properties at risk of flooding. According to research published by the Environment Agency in 2009, 295,000 residential and commercial properties are at risk.
Professor Balmforth described the need to create space for floodwater in urban areas, by moving development back from rivers and identifying flood pathways and storage areas in urban areas.
He also outlined the need to better engage with communities who are at significant risk of flooding, and to involve them in developing the measures needed to manage that risk.
Professor Balmforth commented: "Importantly, we must put flood risk management at the heart of the way plan, design and develop our cities, building flood resilience into every stage of development rather than relying solely on a ‘defend at all costs’ approach.
"It is not a question so much of where we build but what we build."
Also addressing the meeting was Conservative MP for Broxtowe, Anna Soubry who spoke of the need for an informed debate of the issues involved at a local level.
Anna Soubry MP said: "I would urge all elected representatives at all levels, to listen to the advice of professionals when considering where to place new residential or commercial developments, ensuring that all of the risks are carefully considered, steps put in place to minimise them and to work with local people to make sure everyone fully appreciates the issues involved."