Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) For Planning

What Are the Main Objectives for an FRA?

The aim of an FRA is to find out:

• Whether the proposed development is likely to be affected by current or future flooding from a range of sources.
• Whether the development will increase flood risk elsewhere.
• Whether the mitigation measures proposed to deal with the potential flood risk are appropriate.
• Whether the development will be safe over its lifetime.

What does a Flood Risk Assessment Involve?

Each report is unique and tailored to the particular land, property, or development project being assessed. It should consider full details of the location, and surroundings using specific data and software, which can include topographic data, LiDAR data, and hydraulic modelling.

The report should assess the proposed use of the development, the number of people who will be on site or use the development, and how it will impact on flood risk in the local area, along with how the risk can be managed to ensure the development proposed is both safe and suitable over its lifespan. The report must be in line with necessary legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework.

The data is often complex and displays modelled flood extents at a site, showing the proposed developments vulnerability to varying flood risk scenarios and climate change variability allowances.

Appointing a Flood Risk Consultant

Every property is unique with regards to the construction type, and external factors such as local drainage, geology, infiltration, and topography. Understanding the relationship between these site factors, alongside Flood Risk Model data is highly important. Our qualified Flood Risk Consultants have a keen eye for detail and understand how these factors all link, as well as their impact on potential flooding.

Flood Risk Assessments must be extremely thorough and detailed. The report must assess all elements of the proposed designs and compare them with varying flood model scenarios. Often these scenarios are assessed over the development’s lifetime, meaning that climate change allowance flood model data is often used to assess the flood depths at a site in the future. This requires a trained professional’s expertise and experience, as proposed plans may need to be altered to compensate for future climate change allowances.

Can I Prepare a Flood Risk Assessment Myself?

There is nothing stopping anyone from conducting their own Flood Risk Assessment for their proposed development, however whilst unqualified personnel can produce their own Flood Risk Assessments, FPS Environmental would not recommend this. Accurately assessing flood risk can be complicated, especially where specific software is required to handle the raw model data. Alongside this, laypeople are not likely to carry suitable insurance for their assessment, which could pose future issues.

Developing a site is a costly process, and to ensure best practice is followed, early engagement with a Flood Risk Consultant is recommended. This will allow the optimal outcome for the site to be proposed, saving time and money over the development. Additionally, in order to comply with legislation, Flood Risk Assessments are frequently necessary, and they will to be authorised by the appropriate authorities before planning is approved and construction can start.

Getting a qualified professional to conduct a Flood Risk Assessment is always recommended and highly advised.

A Renewed Focus on Surface Water Drainage

The UK government’s recent announcement that it intends to apply Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 must be closely monitored by developers. This calls for the installation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in all new construction starting in England in 2024. You can read more about the proposals here: Sustainable Drainage Systems | Schedule 3.

In order to lessen the risk of flooding and enhance water quality, sustainable drainage systems are created to handle surface water runoff from developments in a manner that mimics natural processes.

FPS Environmental Ltd are well placed to assist with your Drainage Design needs as part of any Flood Risk Assessment or site development.

What If you Need a Bespoke Flood Model?

In certain instances, National flood model data may not be sufficiently detailed to maximise the safe development potential of a site. In these instances you may require bespoke Flood Modelling for the site, focusing on the terrain and topography, hydrology and potential storm events. A bespoke model should not be seen as a set-back, but the opportunity to ensure the site can be safely utilised over its lifespan, helping protect its future value. FPS Environmental can assist to ensure a smooth and optimal development proposal is achieved.

How Can We Help?

Our flood risk assessments use the most up-to-date and high-tech data available, combined with working collaboratively with a range of sectors such as the Environment Agency, Architects, Lead Local Flood Authorities, and with the client themselves.

Our highly qualified engineers and consultants will work closely with you to understand the risk and develop solutions to mitigate flood risk for your development.

If you’re unsure and need advice, then get in touch with our team of specialists who can help and advise at enquiries@fpsenvironmental.co.uk or call 020 8050 3194.