Welsh Conservatives will call for the introduction of a Blue Belt system during the group’s Opposition Debate on Wednesday January 26th.
Under the system land close to rivers, lakes and coastlines may be designated “blue belt”, in order to prevent future development.
At present, one in 33 developments in Wales is built on land at risk of flooding.
Shadow Minister for Environment, Angela Burns AM, said: “This is a clear policy that would put an end to irresponsible development on areas of high flood risk which can – and has – ruined lives.
“Both the Sustainability Committee and the Wales Audit Office have identified the need for a change in the way the Welsh Government approaches these developments.
“As usual, such expert advice has fallen on deaf Labour-Plaid ears. It is now time to implement the necessary reforms.
“This is not a problem that is going to go away. Current estimates predict the cost of damage from flooding will at least double and possibly increase twenty-fold over the coming years.
“Parts of Wales that have a high risk of flooding and need protection from over development have got to be made no-go areas.
“Working in conjunction with the Environment Agency, whose advice is all-too-often ignored, a Blue Belt system will properly control development.”
