Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)
What It Is
A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a planning report that evaluates the risk of flooding to and from a development site. It ensures compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Environment Agency (EA), and Local Planning Authority (LPA) requirements. FRAs assess flooding from rivers, groundwater, surface water, reservoirs, and drainage systems. In higher risk areas, an FRA is essential to secure planning permission and to demonstrate how flood risk will be managed and mitigated.
Why It Matters — Risks Without It
❌ Planning refusal where flood risk has not been adequately assessed
⚠️ Damage to property and risk to human health from flooding
📣 Objections from the Environment Agency, LLFA, or residents
🧾 Failure to comply with NPPF and EA guidance, delaying development
What’s Measured
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Flood zones (EA Flood Map for Planning) and historic flood records
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Surface water, fluvial, tidal, and groundwater flood risk
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Run-off rates, drainage capacity, and climate change allowances
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Site vulnerability classification and sequential test requirements
How It Works
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Desk study — review of EA flood maps, geology, drainage networks, historic flooding data
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Hydraulic modelling (if required) — detailed flood level predictions for complex sites
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Drainage and mitigation design — SuDS, raised floor levels, compensatory storage, resilience measures
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FRA report preparation — submission-ready document for LPA/EA approval
Who It’s For
🏗️ Developers and housebuilders working in Flood Zones 2 or 3
🏢 Planning consultants and architects needing FRA input for applications
🌍 Civil engineers integrating drainage and flood mitigation into designs
🏛️ Local authorities and regulators reviewing flood-sensitive proposals
What You Get
📄 Planning-compliant FRA report aligned with NPPF and EA requirements
📊 Flood risk modelling, mapping, and mitigation measures
💧 Integration with SuDS and Drainage Strategies for joined-up solutions
✅ Reduced flood risk, faster planning approval, and regulator confidence
Build Safely, Plan Securely
With a robust Flood Risk Assessment, you demonstrate compliance, protect your site from flood damage, and unlock smoother planning approvals.
