What is a Flood Risk Assesment?
A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a detailed evaluation of the potential for flooding in a specific area and its potential impact on a project or property. It involves analysing various factors, such as:
- Historical flood data: Examining past flood events and their impact.
- Topography & hydrology: Understanding the land’s elevation and drainage patterns.
- Weather patterns: Assessing rainfall data and storm predictions.
- Flood zones: Identifying whether the site is in a designated flood zone.
- Potential sources: Considering nearby rivers, lakes, or other water bodies that could contribute to flooding.
Why Choose SEP Technical for Your Flood Risk Assessment?
At SEP Technical, we offer Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) that comply with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) standards for your property or development. Our comprehensive report evaluates long-term flood risks, including the impacts of climate change, and provides tailored recommendations to mitigate these risks effectively.
- You’ll get the first reports in ___, allowing you to speed up your registration for planning application.
- Save time and money associated with delayed planning applications.
- Increase your chances of obtaining planning permission for your developments.
- Make design decisions based on detailed knowledge of flood risk mitigation and interventions.
- Receive a competitive price for your flood risk assessment.
Do I Need A Flood Risk Assessment?
Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is required in the following situations:
- Flood Zones 2, 3, or 3b: For any development, including minor projects and changes of use, in these designated flood zones.
- Flood Zone 1: If the site covers 1 hectare or more.
- Critical drainage areas: For sites located in areas known for critical drainage problems.
- Increased flood risk: Within Flood Zone 1, the Local Planning Authority’s strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA) indicates a higher flood risk over the site’s lifetime.
- Increased vulnerability: This category applies to developments that may raise the site’s vulnerability classification and expose it to flooding from sources other than rivers or the sea.
By getting a Flood Risk Assessment, you can be covered for:
- Planning & development: When applying for planning permission or building a new structure, especially in areas prone to flooding.
- Property purchase: If you’re buying property in a flood-prone area or if it is located within a flood zone.
- Renovations: For significant changes or expansions to existing buildings, particularly if they are in high-risk areas.
- Insurance: Some insurers may require an FRA to determine flood risk and coverage.
- Compliance: To comply with local regulations and planning policies related to flood risk management.
Will I Also Need a Sustainable Drainage Strategy?
A Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS) is required if your planning application involves:
- Major development with surface water drainage.
- Development with surface water drainage in areas at risk of flooding, such as flood zones 2 or 3, or areas prone to surface water flooding.
What's included in a Flood Risk Assessment?
We work closely with clients to provide a tailored solution and process aligned to their budget, timeline and on-site teams.
If you’re new to commissioning such reports, our experienced and friendly SEP team will guide you through the process with ease.
To create the report, we will:
- Consult with the Lead Local Flood Authority, Water and Sewerage Company, and Environment Agency.
- Assess flood risks from all sources (rivers, rainfall, groundwater, and infrastructure).
- Review historical flood data and manage surface water runoff.
- Analyse flood information and local flood documents.
- Identify issues and constraints, and recommend mitigation measures.
Our SEP experts will coordinate with your project team and architect on finished floor levels and flood-resistant building techniques.
The final report will be clear and concise, ready to support your planning application.
Depending on the flood risk, the assessment may be a simple written statement or involve detailed hydraulic flood modelling.
The complexity depends on the type of development, the size and location of the site, and the amount of surface water runoff.
Each development or planning application will require its own specific report*
FAQs
- What is an FRA?
A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a report that looks at the risk of flooding for a specific site and how it will affect or be affected by development.
- Why do I need an FRA?
You need an FRA if you’re planning development in a flood-risk area, as shown by the Environment Agency Flood Zones or the Development Advice Map in Wales. It’s also needed for environmental certifications like BREEAM and often for insurance purposes, especially if the site has a history of flooding.
- What is a surface water drainage strategy?
A Surface Water Drainage Strategy (SuDS) is a plan to manage and control surface water runoff from your development.
- Why do I need a surface water drainage strategy?
You need an SDS if your development includes surface water drainage or is in an area prone to flooding.
- Why is there a difference between the Flood Map for Planning and the Flood Risk from Rivers or the Sea map?
The Flood Map for Planning shows general flood risk areas for planning purposes, while the Flood Risk from Rivers or the Sea map provides more detailed information about flooding from rivers and the sea.
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