Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021

SI 12 Flood risk management

Current and expected flood risk from all sources (as defined in paragraph 9.2.12) across London should be managed in a sustainable and cost-effective way in collaboration with the Environment Agency, the Lead Local Flood Authorities, developers and infrastructure providers.

Development Plans should use the Mayor’s Regional Flood Risk Appraisal and their Strategic Flood Risk Assessment as well as Local Flood Risk Management Strategies, where necessary, to identify areas where particular and cumulative flood risk issues exist and develop actions and policy approaches aimed at reducing these risks. Boroughs should cooperate and jointly address cross-boundary flood risk issues including with authorities outside London.

Development proposals should ensure that flood risk is minimised and mitigated, and that residual risk is addressed. This should include, where possible, making space for water and aiming for development to be set back from the banks of watercourses.

Developments Plans and development proposals should contribute to the delivery of the measures set out in Thames Estuary 2100 Plan. The Mayor will work with the Environment Agency and relevant local planning authorities, including authorities outside London, to safeguard an appropriate location for a new Thames Barrier.

Development proposals for utility services should be designed to remain operational under flood conditions and buildings should be designed for quick recovery following a flood.