Speak to a Chartered Flood Risk Consultant today for advice or a free quote
Call 01174 414993 or email info@geoson.co.uk
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 (including minor developments and change of use) when a development is:
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located within Flood Zones 2 or 3
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located within the ‘Flood Zones plus Climate Change’ layer (at increased risk of flooding from rivers or the sea in the future)
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located in an area identified to have critical drainage problems
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located within Flood Zone 1 and
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is more than 1 hectare (ha) in size
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​the Flood Map for Planning shows it is at risk of flooding from surface water
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the Local Authority SFRA shows that it could be at risk of flooding from other sources over its lifetime
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the vulnerability classification will increase (for example from commercial to residential) plus the site is shown to be subject to flooding from sources other than rivers or the sea.
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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.
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If your project fits any of the above, you will need a professional Flood Risk Assessment. Our qualified consultants have completed hundreds of Flood Risk Assessments helping applicants obtain planning approval. Get in touch today and we can handle all the technical analysis for you.
What can GeoSon Provide?
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Friendly, Professional Advice. 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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Cost Effective Flood Risk Assessments written in accordance with Local and National Planning Policy.
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Fast Turnaround. We can produce an interim FRA within 2 - 5 working days. This will allow validatation of your planning application whilst we await any required regulatory enquiry responses.
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Experienced Consultants. All reports are completed by a Chartered Water & Environment Manager (C.WEM). We have completed hundreds of FRAs across England.
Thomas Smith
BSc (Hons) PIEMA MCIWEM C.WEM
Director / Senior Flood Risk Consultant
I’m a Chartered Water and Environment Manager and have been working in the environmental sector for the last 10 years.
I have extensive experience of flood-focused UK planning policy and specialise in Flood Risk Assessments and Surface Water Drainage Strategies to support developments through the planning process.​
Types of development we can help with
We cover all stages of flood risk for planning from feasibility studies and outline applications to condition discharge
HOUSEHOLDER DEVELOPMENTS
Extensions or alterations to a single house. Construction of sheds, garages and other outbuildings
CHANGE OF USE
Commercial to Residential
House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
Agricultural Conversions
MINOR DEVELOPMENTS
Residential: 1 - 9 dwellings,
Non-residential extensions (less than 250 square metres),
Alterations to existing building
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
Residential: 10 or more units,
Building where floor space is 1000 square metres or more,
Site is 1 hectare or more
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.
Contact Us
Get in touch with one of our consultants for a free,
no-obligation quotation today
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We typically respond within 60 minutes
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