Flood Consents

If your development, infrastructure project, drainage scheme, or construction works are located on, near, over, under, or within a watercourse, you may require formal consent before work can begin. Navigating flood risk regulations can be complex, and obtaining the correct approval is essential to avoid project delays, enforcement action, and costly redesigns.

At Raincloud, we provide expert support for all types of flood risk consents, including:

  • Flood Risk Activity Permits (FRAP)

  • Ordinary Watercourse Consent (OWC)

  • Internal Drainage Board (IDB) Consent

Our experienced flood risk consultants manage the entire consenting process, from initial feasibility assessments through to application preparation and liaison with the relevant regulatory authority.

Whether you're a developer, architect, engineer, planning consultant, utility provider, or homeowner, we can help secure the approvals needed to keep your project moving forward.

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Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP)

  • A Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) is an environmental permit issued by the Environment Agency for works that may affect a Main River, flood defence structure, floodplain, or sea defence. The permit ensures that developments and construction activities do not increase flood risk, obstruct water flow, damage flood defences, or negatively impact the environment.

  • A Flood Risk Activity Permit may be required if your project involves:

    • Building structures in, over, under, or adjacent to a Main River

    • Installing outfalls, bridges, culverts, headwalls, or pipe crossings

    • Undertaking riverbank stabilisation works

    • Dredging or removing material from a Main River

    • Excavating close to a Main River or flood defence

    • Altering flood defence structures

    • Performing works within designated floodplains

    Works undertaken without the necessary permit may result in enforcement action and significant project delays.

  • Main Rivers are watercourses designated by the Environment Agency due to their strategic importance for flood risk management. They are typically larger rivers and critical drainage channels. Raincloud can review your site and confirm whether a watercourse is classified as a Main River.

  • Application timescales vary depending on the complexity of the proposal and the type of permit required. Early engagement with flood risk specialists can help minimise delays and improve approval prospects.

Ordinary Watercourse Consent

  • Ordinary Watercourse Consent (OWC) is a statutory approval required under the Land Drainage Act for works that may alter, obstruct, divert, culvert, or otherwise affect the flow of an ordinary watercourse. An ordinary watercourse includes rivers, streams, ditches, drains, and culverts that are not designated as Main Rivers.

  • Ordinary Watercourse Consent is commonly required for:

    • New culverts

    • Culvert extensions

    • New bridges and crossings

    • Pipe installations

    • Headwalls and outfalls

    • Diversions of watercourses

    • Any works that obstruct water flow

    If your proposal affects the capacity or operation of an ordinary watercourse, consent is likely to be required.

  • Planning permission and Ordinary Watercourse Consent are separate regulatory processes. Receiving planning approval does not remove the requirement to obtain the necessary watercourse consent.

  • Application timescales vary depending on the complexity of the proposal and the type of permit required.

Internal Drainage Board (IDB) Consent

  • An Internal Drainage Board (IDB) Consent is approval required for works affecting watercourses managed by an Internal Drainage Board. IDBs are independent public bodies responsible for managing water levels and reducing flood risk within designated drainage districts.

    Where an IDB has jurisdiction, it often becomes the consenting authority for works affecting watercourses within its district.

  • You may require IDB Consent if your development involves:

    • Works within an IDB-maintained drain

    • New outfalls

    • Culverts and culvert extensions

    • Watercourse crossings

    • Temporary works near drainage channels

    • Discharge to an IDB watercourse

    • Structures affecting flow capacity

    Requirements vary between individual IDBs and local byelaws.

  • Many low-lying and heavily managed catchments are located within Internal Drainage Board districts. Your site can be checked on the Association of Drainage Authorities IDB map.

    Raincloud can identify the relevant authority and determine whether IDB consent is required for your project.

  • Application timescales vary depending on the complexity of the proposal and the type of permit required.