The new plans divide areas into three zones according to the risks in each place
New Building Rules Hit French Property Owners
The French government toughens its stance on construction in risk areas
Nationwide risk prevention plans governing land use are being put in place by the French government after a series of natural disasters in the country recently. The plans are expected to have major implications for developers and property owners in France.
This summer the Dordogne, the Rhône Valley and Massif Central are reported to have suffered major floods, while the Languedoc in particular has suffered severe drought. Meanwhile, fire fighters in the south of France are on high alert for the upcoming forest fire season.
To mitigate the risks and prevent future damage, risk areas are being identified and some areas will see development banned altogether, as well as existing buildings demolished.
Plan Prévention des Risques (PPR), as the initiative is known, will divide areas into three planning zones: red means no planning permission; blue zones will allow planning permission subject to conditions, and white will come under local planning regulations.
Once in place there will be greater surveillance of risk areas by officials, and local authorities will required to put in place measures to reduce the level of risk, notably by appropriate infrastructure works. So in areas of high risk of fire the local authority will need to consider the construction of new access roads for fire and rescue vehicles.
Some 5000 communes most at risk now have a plan in place and others are in various states of completion.
The plans are likely to have major implications for existing property owners. Those who own properties in high risk zones may find that in the event of a fire or flood where the property is destroyed, there is no guarantee that you would be able to obtain planning consent to rebuild it.
It may also affect the valuation of the property, as well as preventing you from building extensions or outbuildings on your land.
Those in any doubt as to the possibility of your property being in a risk area are advised to contact the préfacture directly, or consult a website created by the French Ministry of Ecology: www.prim.net
SOURCES:
www.french-property.com
www.propertywire.com
This summer the Dordogne, the Rhône Valley and Massif Central are reported to have suffered major floods, while the Languedoc in particular has suffered severe drought. Meanwhile, fire fighters in the south of France are on high alert for the upcoming forest fire season.
To mitigate the risks and prevent future damage, risk areas are being identified and some areas will see development banned altogether, as well as existing buildings demolished.
Plan Prévention des Risques (PPR), as the initiative is known, will divide areas into three planning zones: red means no planning permission; blue zones will allow planning permission subject to conditions, and white will come under local planning regulations.
Once in place there will be greater surveillance of risk areas by officials, and local authorities will required to put in place measures to reduce the level of risk, notably by appropriate infrastructure works. So in areas of high risk of fire the local authority will need to consider the construction of new access roads for fire and rescue vehicles.
Some 5000 communes most at risk now have a plan in place and others are in various states of completion.
The plans are likely to have major implications for existing property owners. Those who own properties in high risk zones may find that in the event of a fire or flood where the property is destroyed, there is no guarantee that you would be able to obtain planning consent to rebuild it.
It may also affect the valuation of the property, as well as preventing you from building extensions or outbuildings on your land.
Those in any doubt as to the possibility of your property being in a risk area are advised to contact the préfacture directly, or consult a website created by the French Ministry of Ecology: www.prim.net
SOURCES:
www.french-property.com
www.propertywire.com
Related links:
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