Issue

flood risk

9 stories · discussed at 11 council meetings · 13 councils

Councils are currently addressing flood risk in planning decisions and managing identified high-risk areas across their boroughs.

Councils continue to address flood risk in planning decisions. Greenwich Council approved new homes in July 2026 despite residents' concerns about flood risk and surveys. In June 2026, Hillingdon Planning Committee approved a home extension despite flood risk objections, but refused a change of use for Technology House due to inadequate flood risk management. Bexley Council approved flats in August 2025 despite objections from the Lead Local Flood Authority regarding flood risk and drainage.

Councils are also assessing and managing existing flood risks. Sutton Council's Scrutiny Committee discussed a report in December 2025 identifying 1,866 properties at high risk of flooding. In July 2025, Sutton's Hackbridge, St Helier and The Wrythe Local Committee reviewed findings that properties near the River Wandle are at high risk following a September 2024 flood event. Richmond upon Thames' Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee approved flood resilience work in June 2026.

Looking ahead, councils are scheduled to discuss planning applications and local development projects in September 2026. These include Havering's Strategic Planning Committee considering a significant residential redevelopment and Hounslow's Brentford and Syon Area Forum discussing local development projects. Croydon's Planning Sub-Committee is also set to review several planning applications. Flood risk considerations are expected to be part of these discussions.

Key facts

  1. Hillingdon Planning Committee refused a change of use for Technology House in June 2026 due to flood risk management concerns. Source
  2. Greenwich Council approved six new homes in July 2026 despite residents' concerns about flood risk. Source
  3. Sutton Council's Scrutiny Committee discussed a report in December 2025 identifying 1,866 properties at high risk of flooding. Source
  4. Bexley Council approved flats in August 2025 despite Lead Local Flood Authority objections regarding flood risk. Source
  5. Nine properties near the River Wandle experienced internal flooding in September 2024. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. New homes approved in Camberwell despite green roof concerns Southwark Council's Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) has approved plans for a new six-storey residential building at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, replacing the... Southwark 24 July 2026
  2. Greenwich Council Approves Six New Homes Despite Objections Greenwich Council has approved plans for six new homes on land to the rear of Vicarage Park, Plumstead, despite numerous objections from local residents. The decision was made... Greenwich 15 July 2026
  3. Ickenham resident's objections overruled on home extension Hillingdon Planning Committee has approved a single-storey rear extension and loft conversion at 74 St George's Drive, Ickenham, despite objections from local residents. The... Hillingdon 8 June 2026
  4. Technology House change of use refused Hillingdon Planning Committee has refused a change of use application for Technology House, citing concerns over inadequate access, parking, and flood risk management. Hillingdon 8 June 2026
  5. Sutton Faces Flood Risk: 1,866 Properties at High Risk Sutton is grappling with a significant flood risk, with an estimated 1,866 properties identified as being at high risk of flooding, according to a report presented at the... Sutton 14 December 2025
  6. Coulsdon Residents Object to Decking Retention Plan Coulsdon residents have objected to a retrospective planning application concerning changes to land levels and the construction of decking areas at 151 Caterham Drive. The... Croydon 15 August 2025
  7. Slade Green Road Flats Approved Despite Flood Risk Concerns Bexley Council's Planning Committee approved an application on Thursday, 31 July 2025, concerning flood risk and drainage at a proposed residential development at 176 Slade... Bexley 2 August 2025
  8. River Wandle Flood Investigation Finds Properties at High Risk Following a flood event on 23 September 2024, a recent investigation has found that some properties near the River Wandle are at high risk of future flooding. The flooded... Sutton 21 July 2025