Flooding: The background - Why the building regulations may change in the future (Version 1)

Flooding is like fire. It may not happen very often, but when it does, it is usually expensive to repair. Consequently we all hope and to some extent 'believe' that it won't happen to us.

At the time of a flood, the events are very real and dramatic, but as soon as the media show the waters receding, most of us tend to forget about it until the next time.

This Construction Briefing provides readers some background information on the subject of flooding, and explains why, with the frequency and intensity of flooding rising, the Government may be forced to finally include it in part of the Building Regulations.

The sheet looks back over the last decade at the major flooding events in England and their impacts (both in terms of damage and regulatory review) with a particular focus on the Pitt Review. It also contains a list of the Regulations and codes which either already do, or have the potential to cover flooding.

Contents:

• Major flooding events in recent years
  • Major floods in England since 2000
  • Major reviews following 2007 floods
  • A wake-up call
• Pitt Reveiw of the 2007 floods
• Recommendations specifically relevant to construction
• Key government organisations
• Regulations and codes
  • England & Wales Building Regulations
  • Planning Policy Statement Statement 25 (PPS25)
  • Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)