Davies backs bid to soak up flood risk

AN Oldham Euro-MP has welcomed changes in the law which will require homeowners to apply for planning permission if they want to cover their front garden with non-absorbent materials, like tarmac and bricks.

Chris Davies, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman in the European Parliament, has praised the law, which comes into effect on October 1.

Under the new legislation, which is designed to prevent localised flooding, the planning permission could cost around £150 and it will take householders up to eight weeks to get approval.

Ministers hope that these barriers will make people think about using more absorbent products like wood chippings, grass and gravel, which are more likely to cope with heavy rainfall, reducing the run-off into storm drains.

Mr Davies said: “Our drainage system is already struggling to cope with heavy downpours, as has been dramatically highlighted by recent flooding. The problem can only get worse if homeowners continue to concrete over driveways and gardens.”

Mr Davies has carried out a survey of councils across the North-West to gauge what steps are being taken to increase the use of permeable ground coverings in public areas.

Tony Noblett, the service director for highways and operational services at Oldham Council, said: “Where possible permeable materials are used such as ‘grasscrete’ in parking areas, and permeable materials on pedestrian footways.

“Major planning applications and significant development proposals have to be agreed with the Environment Agency via a flood risk assessment.”