Last autumn was the wettest on record and the flooding caused was except-ional, particularly in parts of Sussex.

Most of the homes flooded in places such as Uckfield were new and showed the folly of building in flood plains.

There is no guarantee they won't get flooded again. That's why the new tough planning guidance issued by the Government is extremely welcome.

It won't stop flooding of existing homes but it should stop homes being built in places at risk in future.

There will be no general development in areas of high risk while in lower risk areas buildings will only be allowed if they can be properly defended from flooding.

The Government may also have to review the targets it has set councils in Sussex for housebuilding.

They envisage thousands of new homes being built during the next decade and probably beyond that.

Downland and other places of outstanding natural beauty are no-go areas for housing. So are the river valleys and flood plains. Civil servants must see there really is almost no other room left in this crowded county.

There are still plenty of brownfield sites in other parts of Britain suitable for housing. The Government should look at those first rather than set Sussex targets which may not be attainable.