A BUCKS MEP has criticised the Government over its role in the increasing number of homes being built on floodplains.

Sharon Bowles, Lib Dem MEP for the South East, is worried about the number of homes being built on floodplains.

Her fears follow warnings from the Association of British Insurers, which said tougher planning controls are needed if new homes built on floodplains are to receive flood insurance.

Mrs Bowles said: "It is about time the UK Government stopped burying its head in the sand and listened to the warnings of both the insurance industry and the Environment Agency.

"After the horrendous floods last year, that left thousands homeless, it is blatantly clear that we mustn't let households go uninsured."

She added that poor planning applications are slipping through the planning system despite warnings from the Environment Agency.

Justin Jacobs, ABI's assistant director of property, said the Government's housing plans were in jeopardy unless the flood risk is reduced.

Speaking at the Architects Journal Conference today, Mr Jacobs said: Where a local authority plans to ignore flood risk advice, the Government should step in and review the proposals and be compelled to publish their decision.

"Insurers want to continue to provide flood cover, but poor planning decisions will lead to more homes becoming unsaleable, uninsurable and uninhabitable."