Plans to build thousands of new homes on the flood plain of the River Thames have been criticised claiming they could put lives at risk.

The Thames Gateway region, east of London, has been identified as the site for up to 100,000 new properties to overcome the region's housing shortage.

But a report by the London Assembly next month is expected to raise concerns about flood protection and emergency planning across London.

One member of the GLA Flood Scrutiny Committee is worried the disastrous flooding in central Europe this month could occur in London if the home building programme goes ahead.

Massive loss

Roger Evans, Conservative chairman of the committee, said: "The floods this week in Europe have highlighted the dangers and the unexpected nature of it.

"If we build on the floodplain we are potentially putting those people at risk."

The Environment Agency, which is responsible for flood warnings, has said it believes planners are ignoring the risks.

It explained that much of the area lies within the natural tidal flood plain of the Thames and will become increasingly at risk from flooding in the future.

Flood defences

A report by the London Assembly in September is expected to warn that a major flood in London could result in a major loss of lives and cause £30bn damage.

London's flood defences rely largely on the Thames Barrier which was completed in 1982.

But sea levels have risen because of heavier winter rainfall which some environmentalists say is a result of global warming.

Many low lying areas of Essex and Kent lie downstream of the barrier at Woolwich and so do not benefit from its protection.