It’s ok to convert offices to flats in Milton Keynes flood zone because "they will be on the first floor"

One of the reasons why they are considered to be okay in Newport Pagnell is that the converted properties – above a Subway shop – will be on the first floor of an existing building, and therefore well above the flood level.

The area of Station Road, in Newport Pagnell, is protected by the town’s flood defences.

An assessment says the routes to the property will still be open even if there is a Biblical-style one in a 1,000 year climate change-driven flood.

AJS Estates Developments, which has a right to convert the offices to flats under permitted development rights, asked Milton Keynes Council to check there were no highways, flooding, noise or contamination reasons to block it.

After checking the details, including an assessment of flood risk, the council’s planning department said it can go ahead. Newport Pagnell is close to the River Ouzel and the River Great Ouse.

Agent Robinson Hall, of Bedford, told the council that the one-bedroom flat and a studio flat will have their own parking.

Their submission said: “There is a residual flood risk due to breach/overtopping of flood defences.

“The proposed self contained flats with all bed rooms are located in the first floor. Therefore, the first floor level is significantly above the flood level with climate change included. Therefore, residual flood risk is “very low”.”

Their flooding assessment says that the “occupants will be safe from various flood hazards for its intended life time.” The assumed life time is 100 years.

Council planning officers concluded that even though the site falls within flood zone 3, the site and its access benefit from flood defences.

They agreed that the first floor is “significantly above” the flood level and therefore residue flood risk is classified as very low.

“Furthermore, the site has been identified as outside of the climate change flood plain and therefore dry access and egress from the site can be provided.”

The site is also within an existing residential area and not new development.