TOUGHER measures to force local authorities and developers to assess flood risk when building new houses have been published for consultation by the Government.

The new draft planning guidance comes in the wake of last autumn's flooding, and aims to limit the building of new houses in areas which could be seriously flooded in future. Local authorities are being asked for their views on the guidelines, which are expected to be finalised this Spring.

The new guidelines recommend that councils should only allow 'exceptional' building and essential infrastructure - such as roads - in areas known to be flood plains.

The Government also recommended that where areas of 'low risk' are not available, there should be adequate flood defences, and building firms must fund the building and future maintenance of flood defence works.

The proposed guidance also urges councils to make flood risk information available to both prospective developers and prospective property owners. Developers are also asked to fully asses the risk of flooding when planning new housing.

Planning Minister Nick Raynsford said: "Following last autumn's floods, and comments on an earlier draft of this guidance, we are responding to concerns from the public and the Environment Select Committee on the need to avoid flood risk when planning new development."

He said very little development should be permitted in areas at higher risk of flooding, and new housing in lower-risk areas should have flood defences.