New housing on flood plains needs protection

Sir - There are many areas in Britain at risk from either fluvial or tidal flooding (report, June 25). While it is superficially attractive to preclude developments in these areas, it is not as practicable as it sounds.

A consequence of such a policy would be the condemnation of large areas to progressive dereliction. Surely, the answer is adequate flood protection. Sadly, in Lewes, which was so disastrously flooded in 2000, many residential and commercial areas remain woefully at risk (although one area has received enhanced protection), with little or no action being taken by the Environment Agency.

Tony Holmes, Lewes, East Sussex
 

Sir - In the Tweed valley in Australia, near the border between New South Wales and Queensland, there are frequent floods in the rainy season. The houses and businesses are two storeys high and the ground floor is used for garage space. All services are upstairs out of harm's way. When floods are imminent, the owners drive their cars to high ground and live upstairs back at home.

A change to building regulations in British flood-plains could ensure that all essential services – electricity, gas, telephone, sewage and water – are treated in the same way, when building is permitted.

Brian Jackson, Theale, Somerset