Flood defences may save homes plan

A new "linear city" stretching along the Thames from Stratford and Lewisham into Kent and Essex was hailed as a radical solution to London's desperate need for extra housing.

But then insurers seemed to deal John Prescott's project a hammer blow when they warned that rising tides and the threat of global warming meant many of the proposed areas for development were at serious flood risk and therefore uninsurable.

Today a solution to the problem was unveiled - a new generation of environment-friendly flood defences which could allow 120,000 homes to be built.

The proposals involve the creation of a string of parks, wetlands and riverside paths to protect people and homes from floodwater.

They come from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Environment Agency and the Mayor's London Development Agency, and have been given a cautious welcome by the Association of British Insurers. It said it will reconsider "if flood risk management is designed into these developments".

Graham Wilson of the Environment Agency said: "Sea levels will continue to rise over the next century, putting London

and the estuary at greater risk from flooding. However, the impact on people and property can be minimised by prudent planning and development of the growth areas."

The LDA said a major Strategic Flood Risk Assessment will be carried out in the Thames Gateway over the coming months.

It will establish the location and design of buildings and green spaces, ensuring developments include management of flood risk.

The approach is based on successful flood management solutions like those used in the area between Tate Modern and the river, and at Sutcliffe Park in Greenwich.

Thames Gateway minister Keith Hill said: "Riverside parkland, open spaces or wildlife habitats that can act as occasional flood storage can provide an attractive setting for development, and be of great benefit to birds and animals."

However, a note of caution was injected by the Housebuilders' Federation, which has not been formally involved in the initiative.

Spokesman Pierre Williams said: "Managing floodwater rather than fighting it off might well be more efficient and cost-effective than expensive barrier-type defences.

"But the real test will be whether this will work in practice and how much it will cost. If it isn't viable, we can't build the houses. We need the promises to be backed up with major public investment."