High court rules floodplain homes may proceed even after failing key safety test

A high court judgment says housing may be built on floodplains even when a site fails a crucial safety test, clearing 190 homes in north Somerset despite flood zone 3a, the highest risk category before land counts as a functional floodplain. At a flood resilience conference on Wednesday, ministers and experts agreed to campaign for a law change so the ruling does not set a national precedent; APPG chair Tessa Munt will meet housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook to amend the national planning policy framework. Persimmon Homes won the case brought by the local council.