The High Court has ruled that 190 homes can be built on a north Somerset floodplain despite the development failing a key planning safety test. The decision has alarmed residents, councils, ministers and flood experts, who fear it could create a national precedent enabling similar developments across England and Wales.

The site is in flood zone 3a, and 12 alternative locations with lower flood risk were identified. However, the court said the planning inspector could still weigh the scheme’s wider benefits and whether the homes could be made safe over their lifetime. The Environment Agency opposed the plans, while local residents say the development could increase flooding, threaten insurability and override important environmental protections. Campaigners are seeking changes to national planning rules.