In this area we have also seen several thousand new houses being built with no evidence of compulsory water butts, permeable drive ways (let alone solar panels!). Surely it is not rocket science or expensive to ensure environmental measures are in place before planning permission is given – and caveats entered with the Land Registry to ensure compliance before properties are sold. This should also ensure that utility provision (including sewage) is included in the plans and public services are sufficient.
Back to floods. In W-s-M most of the new housing appears to be on the flood plain – it could get nasty. Elsewhere local councils need to check culverts and longer term measures like tree planting and Beavers should be introduced.
Check your flood danger here