A Flood Risk Assessment, often referred to as an FRA, is a site-specific report that examines how a development could be affected by flooding now and in the future.
It considers the potential risk to the development, its future users and surrounding land. It also assesses whether the proposal could increase flood risk elsewhere.
Depending on the site, an FRA may consider flooding from:
- Rivers and watercourses
- The sea
- Surface water
- Groundwater
- Sewers and drainage systems
- Reservoirs and canals
- Flood defence failure or overtopping
- The effects of climate change
The findings can inform the site layout, drainage design, finished floor levels and any flood mitigation measures required.
When is a Flood Risk Assessment Required?
Considering flood risk early provides more time to include any necessary measures within the developing design.
An early assessment can help the project team:
- Understand the sources and severity of flood risk
- Determine whether the proposed use is suitable for the location
- Inform the position of buildings and access routes
- Establish suitable finished floor levels
- Account for future climate change
- Identify appropriate mitigation measures
- Support discussions with planning authorities
- Reduce the likelihood of design changes later
Being located within an area of flood risk does not automatically prevent development. The risk must be properly understood and addressed through the design.
What Does a Flood Risk Assessment Include?
The scope of an FRA is tailored to the site, the proposed development and the relevant planning requirements. It will generally include:
Review of Site Information
We review the site location, proposed development, existing land use, topography and available site investigation information.
Flood Risk Data Review
Relevant information is gathered from sources including the Environment Agency, local planning authorities, Lead Local Flood Authorities and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
Assessment of Flood Sources
The assessment considers the current and future risk from relevant sources, including rivers, the sea, surface water, groundwater and drainage systems.
Review of the Proposed Development
The site layout and proposed use are considered in relation to flood zones, development vulnerability, access arrangements and the expected lifetime of the development.
Mitigation Recommendations
Where flood risk is identified, the report may recommend measures such as changes to the site layout, suitable finished floor levels, surface water management, safe access arrangements or flood-resilient construction.
The findings are presented in a clear, site-specific report for use by the client, design team and relevant planning authorities.
Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage
Flood risk and surface water drainage are closely connected. A development must manage runoff without increasing flood risk on the site or to surrounding land.
Depending on the project, a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Strategy may be required alongside the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). We can either provide the necessary site and design information to an incumbent drainage engineer or prepare the SuDS Strategy and associated reports directly.
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical can provide supporting services including:
- Groundwater monitoring
- BRE 365 infiltration testing
- Trial pitting
- Ground investigation
- Geological and hydrogeological assessment
- Environmental consultancy
Bringing this information together provides the drainage designer with a clearer understanding of the ground conditions and available drainage options.
Why Choose Earth Environmental & Geotechnical?
Our multidisciplinary team includes environmental consultants, geologists, engineers, drilling specialists and field technicians.
We provide:
- Flood Risk Assessment services across the UK
- Site-specific reviews of current and future flood risk
- Clear recommendations for planning and design teams
- Groundwater monitoring and in-house drilling
- Infiltration testing and ground investigation
- Support for drainage and Sustainable Drainage Systems design
- Coordinated environmental and geotechnical services
- Clear, practical reporting
By considering flood risk alongside the wider ground and drainage conditions, we help project teams develop a more complete understanding of their site.
Discuss Your Flood Risk Assessment
Identifying flood risk early provides more time to incorporate appropriate measures into the site layout and design.
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical provides Flood Risk Assessments, groundwater monitoring, infiltration testing, ground investigation and environmental consultancy services across the UK.
Contact our team to discuss your development and Flood Risk Assessment requirements.
