Tim Abbott - 26-Jan-2007 - The way the Environment Agency manages flood risk to homes and businesses over the next century is changing.

A Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) has been produced to look at the most effective long-term and sustainable approaches to manage the flood risk to nearly half a million people in the Thames and Lee river basins.

The plan, which was released for consultation today, looks at:

How we can best tackle the challenge of climate change on flooding
How making space for water and using the natural floodplain will be our greatest asset in protecting properties in the future
How local planning authorities and regional assemblies can work with the Environment Agency to ensure flood risk management is included in their local strategies and frameworks for future development
Robert Runcie, the Environment Agency's Thames Regional Director, said: "The risk of flooding is growing, and we have to act now to deal with tomorrow's threat.

"This plan represents our long-term view for the catchment, and is a real chance to change the way we manage the risk of flooding."

The catchment covers the fluvial part of the River Thames basin and its tributaries. This is from the source of the Thames in Gloucestershire, through to Teddington weir, as well as the Lee Basin and the smaller rivers in London.

Despite covering less than 10 per cent of the England and Wales, nearly a quarter of the total population lives and works in this region.

The Thames Estuary 2100 team is producing a separate plan for the tidal Thames from Teddington to the outer Thames Estuary, which will be released for consultation later this year.

"In the past we focussed on building flood defences, which can only ever reduce the risk of flooding while proving increasingly expensive to maintain - especially as we feel the impacts of climate change. We have to examine more sustainable ways to manage flood risk," continued Robert.

"An important weapon in tackling flooding is using the natural floodplain to hold flood waters - simply allowing the land to do its natural job will protect homes locally and downstream.

"To do this, and protect undeveloped floodplain, we need to work closely with a range of partners to ensure flood risk is reduced and the environment enhanced for future generations."

The CFMP is open for consultation until 25 April 2007. A summary of the document can be downloaded from our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamescfmp or by calling 08708 506 506.