Letter: Explaining the floods

Sir: Years ago, I was involved in a study group at the Centre for Environmental Studies about the control of development. At one meeting, the planners were challenged about their policy of preventing development on land liable to flood. We were told it was a paternalistic approach, although it was conceded that we could tell developers of the potential problem and leave it up to them whether to build. I wonder what our interrogators would say to the people of South-east England this week.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL RAY

Director of Planning

Hove Borough Council

Hove, East Sussex