Flood Risk Assessments

What is a flood risk assessment?

Also known as an FRA, a flood risk assessment is a key part of the site assessment and planning submission process and is required by the Local Planning Authority if the development will be situated in flood zones 2 or 3.

A Flood Risk Assessment is also mandatory for sites of 1 hectare or greater in Flood Zone 1, as well as for sites in a critical drainage area, sites at risk of surface water flooding, and where the long-term flood risk map shows the site is at increased risk of flooding from rivers or sea during its lifetime.

The main objectives of flood risk assessments are: 

• Assessing the risk and impact of flooding on site.
• Determining whether the proposed development will affect flooding in the local area. 
• Determing and recommending how the risk of flooding can be mitigated on site.
• Demonstrating that the site will be safe in the present and future, taking into account the development’s vulnerabilities and the impact of climate change. 

What should a flood risk assessment include? 

A suitable flood risk assessment will reveal whether a development can be constructed on site by determining whether the area lies in a flood zone and assessing the proposed site’s topography. 

Fundamentally, the assessment will provide a detailed analysis of available data on the site’s flood risk and will produce recommendations for flood mitigation actions. 

The assessment will equally demonstrate consideration of flooding from all possible sources which include: 

• Pluvial (surface water from rainfall)
• Fluvial (river flooding) 
• Groundwater
• Estuary and coastal 
• Sewer flooding

Join our next CPD webinar on Flood Risk Assessments

This session introduces the different sources of flooding (including groundwater), the risks to development and what can be done, catchment management, what FRAs are and how to discharge flood related planning conditions.

How long does a flood risk assessment take?

Our lowest tier of GeoSmart flood risk assessment is FloodSmart which is suitable for sites within a flood zone 1. This type of flood risk report can be delivered within 5-10 working days. 

Our FloodSmart Plus and Floodsmart Pro reports are suitable for sites located in flood zones 2 and 3 and can be delivered within 20-30 working days. 

We are required to request data from the Environment Agency which can take up to 20 working days to be provided. 

GeoSmart Flood Risk Assessments

At GeoSmart, we have three assessment options, all giving clear flood management options and fast delivery times to help you prepare to manage risks that may occur on developments.

Who are flood risk assessments for? 

Flood risk assessments are intended for: 

• House builders and developers.
• Property professionals such as Architects, Planning Consultants and Land Agents.
• Lawyers and Solicitors.
• Lenders, banks or mortgage providers.
• Businesses.
• Private individuals.
• Insurance companies.

Is a flood risk assessment always required?

According to government guidance, flood risk assessments need to be undertaken in England if developments are located within flood zones 2, 3 or 3b.

A Flood Risk Assessment is also mandatory for sites of 1 hectare or greater in Flood Zone 1, as well as for sites in a critical drainage area, sites at risk of surface water flooding, and where the long-term flood risk map shows the site is at increased risk of flooding from rivers or sea during its lifetime.

For Welsh and Scottish sites, similar guidance applies. 

In Wales, a Flood Consequence Assessment is required for any planning application in Wales where the site of the proposed development is located within a Flood Zone 2 or 3 as defined by the Flood Map for Planning.

In Scotland, according to section 42 of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, flood risk assessments are required “where the application relates to a development that is likely to result in a material increase in the number of buildings at risk of being damaged by flooding.” The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) contains more information surrounding flood risk.

What do the flood zones mean?

Flood zones describe areas which, to varying degrees, are more susceptible to flooding.

Learn more in our dedicated blog post

Featured News, Blogs and Case Studies on Flood Risk

FloodSmart

Flood Risk: Mixed Use Development

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  National Flood Risk Assessment – NaFRA2: further changes to national flood risk guidance

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  What is a Flood Risk Assessment?