Councils should ensure all planning applications made in flood risk areas are referred to ministers for approval under new guidance published today.

The Government said that while 97% of planning decisions for homes were made in line with Environment Agency advice last year, 866 homes that were contrary to the advice were granted planning permission.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'Our planning reforms will ensure that communities across the country know that future developments will be safe from floods.'

The Government also announced more than £860m will be invested this year to deliver more than 1,000 flood alleviation schemes across England.