Main image: A fireman adjusts a hose in front of a house with a visible mark on its wall of where the flood level reached during the cleanup after storm Dennis in Crickhowell, Wales, February 17 2020. EPA-EFE/DIMITRIS LEGAKIS
Housebuilding ban on floodplains isn't enough – flood-prone communities should take back control
As thousands of homes across the UK are affected by floods, Professor Hannah Cloke wades in with some harsh truths and good advice... "Perhaps flood risk should come to be seen like earthquake risk zones in other countries," she suggests.
Written by
Professor Hannah Cloke
Professor of Hydrology, University of Reading at
University of Reading
PrimeResi is the Journal of Luxury Property. The leading news, opinion & insight resource for the UK's prime residential property industry.
What to read next
Coastal communities may have to move, warns Environment Agency in stark flood risk assessment
'In some cases, the scale of flooding or coastal change may be so significant [that it] may mean potentially moving communities out of harm’s way in the longer term'
By PrimeResi
Mega Digs: Exploring London’s elite ‘basement belt’
London has seen "a normalisation of single-storey basements as the 21st-century version of the loft conversion," says Professor Burrows in a new study of the capital's "luxified troglodytism".
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Google & RIBA create a new digital architecture resource
The Royal Institute of British Architects has partnered with Google's Arts & Culture platform to create 15 specially-curated online "stories", showcasing the best of the RIBA archive.
By PrimeResi
Most read
Savills Private Office adds trio of HNW specialists in London & New York
Big-name appointments boost the firm's offering for the globe-trotting super-rich.
By PrimeResi
Daggers’ DDRE tops £200mn in 2026 sales; adds five more advisers
'Buying London' brokerage brings in new dealmakers and reports run of big-ticket transactions in town & country.
Knight Frank installs new Marylebone sales boss
A familiar face returns to Baker Street after a spell leading the agency’s core sales business in Knightsbridge.
Former Lodha director joins country house agency
Independent firm brings in top-end operator to bolster its Cotswolds presence.
Belgravia townhouse with royal past reportedly finds £39mn buyer
That price would top the £35mn paid for a Grade I-listed neighbour earlier this year.
By PrimeResi
Agency seals string of super-prime St George’s Hill sales
The latest big-ticket residence to change hands on the exclusive private estate was guided at £13.75mn.
Well-known PCL agency duo launch boutique firm
Former Maskells MD & ex-Knight Frank Partner set out their stall as independent venture brings its first homes to market.
Savills downgrades prime forecasts; no recovery for PCL prices until 2029
Prime London and regional property prices are likely to decline further next year, says top agency.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Albion Nord-designed South Bank penthouse pitched at £20mn
Braeburn's 3,800 sq ft 'sanctuary in the sky' comes with a 900 sq ft wrap-around terrace overlooking the London Eye and River Thames.
By PrimeResi
Landmark Nine Elms scheme brings in fresh design talent
Two top interiors studios join the teamsheet at the 57-storey tower, just over two years after sales launched.
LATEST ARTICLES
Friday the 13th: Microsoft outage hits PCL & raises completion-day concerns
Kensington & Chelsea warns of slower responses, with last year’s council IT shutdown still fresh in the memory.
Aman teams up with tennis legend for new ‘performance living’ brand
First stop for the new 'ultra-luxury' offering is Miami, where the hospitality group is planning a set of branded homes served by a 120,000 sq ft wellness centre.
In Pictures: Elicyon-designed penthouse at Lancer Square seeks £16.5mn
Charu Gandhi’s studio completes one of the long-running Kensington scheme’s final homes, taking its cue from the local antiques trade.
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Wealthy clients turn to ‘private compounds’, says top designer
Taylor Howes founder reflects on how HNW wish lists have changed over the last three decades.