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Flood Risk Assessment

We’ve compiled guidance, Local Authority Requirements, FAQs, useful Downloads and Case Studies. We also organise Continuous Professional Development training events.

What are Flood Risk Assessments?

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) takes into account the risk and impact of flooding on the site, and considers how the development may affect flooding in the local area. It also provides recommendations as to how the risk of flooding to the development can be mitigated.

An FRA should demonstrate the site will be safe, both now and in the future, taking into account the effects of climate change and the vulnerability of the type of development proposed.

 

How does this affect my client?

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) have been developed to provide specific support for architects, land surveyors and developers. Section 10 of the PPG highlights that ‘Inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk, but where development is necessary, making it safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere.’

An Flood Risk Assessment is an essential part of the site assessment and planning submission process and is usually a key requirement by the Local Planning Authority.

Architects and planning consultants must advise their client on any potential flood risk issues that could affect whether the development project could go ahead based on its location, site drainage conditions and LPA flood risk zone.

 

Understanding Local Authority Requirements

Planning conditions on Flood Risk Assessment vary across the country and are driven by the LPA’s own Flood Strategy, now produced in conjunction with their Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Architects and planning consultants must understand these differences, assess the site and are aware of the further investigations that may be necessary. They must assure LPAs that the development will meet strict tests or mitigates future flood risk.

We have developed a unique catalogue of planning authority Flood Risk Assessment requirements.

 

Choose your region

Get an Expert View on Flood Risk

We have many years experience in assessing flood risk and recommending next steps, as part of master planning and pre-application submissions.
We have a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes through our technical expertise.

Our flood risk assessment reports provide:

  • A professional opinion from expert flood risk consultants
  • Consultation with regulators and EA data analysis
  • Review of LPA Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
  • Review of historic flood levels
  • Clear flood mitigation and management options

FAQs

Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?

A Flood Risk Assessment is required for any planning application where the site of the proposed development is located within Flood Zones 2 or 3 as defined by the Environment Agency. Such sites are considered to be at risk of flooding and the Environment Agency and local planning authorities have the power to challenge planning applications that have not taken into account all of the flood risks involved.

A Flood Risk Assessment is also mandatory for sites of 1 hectare or greater in Flood Zone 1, and for smaller sites in an area within Flood Zone 1 which has critical drainage problems, as notified to the local planning authority by the Environment Agency. For further information on the relationship between Flood Zones and Flood Risk Assessments, see our news item Flood Zones Explained.

A Flood Risk Assessment should demonstrate how a proposed development will manage flood risk from all possible water sources to the site in question. Changes in flood risk to off-site locations as a consequence of development should also be considered with recommendations provided to avoid increasing such risk.

What are the Flood Risk Zones?

If you live in England, your site will be located in a Flood Zone as defined by the Environment Agency for planning purposes, but many will be located in Flood Zone 1 with a low probability of flooding. To find out what Flood Zone your site is located in, input your postcode into the Environment Agency Flood Map.

Why might a flood risk assessment be required?
  • Validating planning applications
  • Meeting planning conditions
  • For land and property purchase
  • For the sale or divestment of a site
  • Due diligence
  • Lending, mortgages, pension funds
  • Business risk assessment

Top Articles

  • Sequential Test: What do we need to know?
  • Permitted Development: Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?
  • What is a Flood Risk Assessment?

FloodSmart Reports

View Flood Risk Assessments

Continued Professional Development Events

We also run a regular series of webinars and can provide in-house seminars to ensure your team is up to speed on the latest requirements and support their CPD needs.

CPD Events

  • CPD webinar: Environmental Information for Masterplanning – 8th June 2022
  • CPD webinar: Understanding SuDS – 25th May 2022
  • CPD webinar: Flood Risk Assessments: A Guide for Architects and Planners – 11th May 2022
  • CPD webinar: Environmental Information for Masterplanning – 27th April 2022
  • CPD webinar: Understanding SuDS – 13th April 2022

Recent News

  • How is the climate crisis changing Britain’s coastline?
  • CPD webinar: Environmental Information for Masterplanning – 8th June 2022
  • CPD webinar: Understanding SuDS – 25th May 2022
  • CPD webinar: Flood Risk Assessments: A Guide for Architects and Planners – 11th May 2022
  • Flood prevention: is the UK prepared for the worst?

See what our customers have to say...

"During the conveyancing process for my current house purchase, I was extremely concerned to find the general search results revealed the house was at 'moderate risk of groundwater flooding'. I was unable to get any further information from anyone until I contacted GeoSmart. The staff I spoke to were friendly, helpful, efficient and extremely knowledgeable. The information provided was very site specific and focused. The staff member who talked me through the information and maps provided was very knowledgeable, answered all my questions and allowed me plenty of time to discuss issues. Thanks to GeoSmart for their great service."
Linda Barton
"We were impressed by the speedy, well-informed service and personal contact that we received. The report was thorough and comprehensive. We will certainly use GeoSmart's services in the future"
Gregory Gray
Gregory Gray Associates
"I would like to say that dealing with GeoSmart was a seamless experience from beginning to end - thank you for that"
Martin Lloyd
Martin Lloyd Associates
"Everyone involved from initial approach to receipt of report was knowledgeable, efficient and focused"
Robert McCall
OeMO Ltd
"Great service! Extremely fast and the report was very detailed and well received by the planners. Many thanks GeoSmart, we will definitely use your services again"
Nigel Slack
Michael Eyres Partnership LLP
"The service was great, fast and efficient. Everyone we talked to was very helpful and the details were well received by the planners"
Ben Thorns
Solid Digital Marketing Ltd
"The service for a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Study was excellent, fast and efficient! GeoSmart were willing to assist despite the extremely tight timescale to work with. We will definitely consider using your services again"
Craig Roberts
Hunter Page
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Geraint Harris
Vitec Consult
"We are very pleased with the service provided by GeoSmart. Their reports have been used to assist with numerous planning applications and have always been delivered to budget and on-time, much to our clients’ appreciation. We look forward to working with GeoSmart on future projects"
Alan Gunne-Jones
Planning & Development Associates
"The service provided was efficient and friendly. From the first phone call to GeoSmart they provided a clear, professional approach to my request within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending"
John Childs
Private Developer
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