A report from the Chartered Institute of Housing's eastern region argues that building on flood plains should be restricted or carried out in a way that allows for quick run-off.
It contends that more sites should be set aside for flood management, including multi-purpose land that can hold flood water but doubles up as sports pitches or parks in dry weather.
The report complains that there are too few incentives for developers to climate-proof buildings. Planning authorities can chose to ignore Environment Agency advice about building on flood plains too easily as the code for sustainable homes has no requirement for climate proofing, it adds.
It also insists that the green belt should be reviewed and urban extensions rather than new settlements should be encouraged to help reduce transport impacts.
East of England Regional Assembly head of housing and planning Adrian Cannard said: "Once the regional plan is approved by the government early next year we will immediately start a review that will take climate change into account."