ABI wades in with guidance for developers on flood risk

The ABI has published guidance for developers to help make sure new-build homes cannot be flooded – and can be insured.

The association said the guidance, launched on Tuesday, would help insurers to continue to offer cover against flooding on new developments.

Under the guidance, insurers can expect builders to ensure they have approval for new developments from the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency.

New buildings will need to incorporate specific features to reduce the risk of flooding, such as raised floors and flood-resilient building materials.

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s director-general, said: “These guidelines will help developers and planners to build properties to withstand the impacts of climate change.”

He said the association wanted builders to develop a “kitemark” scheme, so that buyers and insurers could easily see if a building was climate-resilient.

“Avoiding high flood-risk areas, and constructing better protected buildings will enable flood insurance to remain widely available and competitively priced,” he added.