Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?
In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Environment Agency (EA) guidance, a Flood Risk Assessment is required to accompany a planning application when a development site is:
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located within flood zones 2 or 3 including minor development and change of use
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more than 1 hectare (ha) in size and is located in flood zone 1
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less than 1 ha in flood zone 1 and
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includes a change of use in development type to a more vulnerable class (for example from commercial to residential), and
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the development could be affected by sources of flooding other than rivers and the sea (for example from surface water or reservoirs)
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Located within flood zone 1 however, has been identified to have critical drainage problems by the Environment Agency
In addition to the above, a Flood Risk Assessment is also generally required when a development is proposed within 20 metres of an EA main river or EA flood defence.
Our consultants have completed hundreds of Flood Risk Assessments, for both commercial and residential developments, throughout England and Wales helping developers achieve planning approval. If any of the above scenarios apply to your development site, do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our dedicated team will be able to help.
Types of development we can help with
HOUSEHOLDER DEVELOPMENTS
CHANGE OF USE
MINOR DEVELOPMENTS
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
What is a Flood Risk Assessment?
A Flood Risk Assessment, also referred to as a FRA, is a report which considers the proposed use of a site and assesses the potential flood risk posed to that site from multiple sources of flooding including:
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Rivers (Fluvial)
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The Sea (Tidal)
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Surface Water / overland flow (Pluvial)
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Groundwater
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Sewer Surcharge
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Reservoir Failure
Each Flood Risk Assessment is a bespoke report tailored to identify the sources of flood risk at a specific site, and outlines potential mitigation measures which would be suitable to incorporate within the proposed development.
The assessment of flood risk posed to a site is based on information collected from a number of third party sources including, but not limited to, the Environment Agency, Local Authority documents (eg. Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and Surface Water Management Plans) and Government flood maps. Should any flood risk be identified at a development site, appropriate flood mitigation measures such as setting of finished floor levels and safe access/egress routes will be recommended compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidance.
When Don't I need a Flood Risk Assessment?
A Flood Risk Assessment is not required to accompany a planning application where the proposed development will occupy less than 1 ha and the site is located entirely within Flood Zone 1. The only exception to this is when a development is at risk of flooding from a source other than a river or the sea such as from surface water. In which case you may also require a Surface Water Drainage Strategy.
What can GeoSon Provide?
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Friendly, professional advice at the other end of the phone. If you are unsure of whether you need a FRA or would like to discuss some comments you have received from a Local Authority please get in touch with one of our team.
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A cost effective Flood Risk Assessment written in accordance with Local and National Planning Policy.
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Need your report quick? We can offer an expedited service and can produce an interim FRA within 2 - 5 working days. This will allow you to validate your planning application whilst we await the required regulatory enquiry responses (which can take up to 20 working days).
Contact Us
Get in touch with one of our consultants for a free,
no-obligation quotation today
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