Government Planning Policies on development and flood risk (PPS25 in England; SPP7 in Scotland and TAN15 in Wales) requires planning authorities and developers to consider flood risk as a vital component of planning consent for new developments, and in the management of residential, commercial and industrial land use. These policies seek to ensure direct development to lower flood risk area, and that where new development is necessary in higher risk areas, the development is safe and does not increase flood risk elsewhere.

We provide comprehensive flood risk assessment consultancy services to developers to enable them to meet their obligations under these policies and are experienced in liaising with the Environment Agency, SEPA and local planning authorities. In partnership with NERC’s Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) we develop and supply the Flood Estimation Handbook industry-standard hydrological software packages and associated flood hydrology training.

Developments can be at risk of flooding from many sources, and flood risk assessment must consider all potential sources of flooding including fluvial flooding from rivers, pluvial flooding arising from inadequate drainage systems, rising groundwater and coastal flooding associated with storm surges. The potential impacts of climate change on the flood risk posed must be taken into account during the assessment process.

Depending on the nature, size and location of the development an FRA may range from a desktop assessment coupled with a site inspection to a full hydrological analysis coupled with detailed hydraulic modelling of inundation depths and assessment of the effectiveness of proposed flood mitigation works and assessment of safe access and egress. We understand that each development is different and therefore we always provide a bespoke service matched to flood risk problem in hand that satisfies planning requirements. Our services include:

• Flood risk assessment
• Hydrological analysis and flood design
• Hydraulic modelling of flood inundation levels and floodplain routing
• Advice on mitigation measures
• Assessment of planning constraints
• Environmental impact assessment and appraisal
• Post flood surveys.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.