Planners could be forced to pay more attention to experts' advice when ruling on flood-plain development bids.

Developers could be blocked from building homes on flood plains under a shake-up of planning law due to be revealed today. Planning minister Nick Boles is expected to announce changes that will mean councils are no longer forced to take other local authorities' housing allocations if it conflicts with national policy. That would mean less pressure to build on flood plains for planners, who have long been expected to help town halls meet house-building targets. Many hope the new guidelines will also ensure experts' advice plays a greater role in the planning process. Among the areas worst-hit by recent flooding was Longford, near Gloucester, where David Cameron told residents in February that expert advice was always followed during the planning process.....Read more here