A Flood Risk Assessment is a technical report that supports your planning application by evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of flooding on a proposed development.

The purpose of a Flood Risk Assessment is to identify flood risk, assess how a development may be affected by flooding and demonstrate that appropriate measures are in place to manage those risks. The assessment also considers whether the proposed development could increase flood risk elsewhere.

A flood risk assessment may be required to support a planning application where a proposed development could be affected by flooding or increase flood risk elsewhere.

• A flood risk assessment is generally required for developments:

• Located within flood zone 2 or 3.

• Located within flood zone 3b.

• Located within flood zone 1 where the site area is 1 hectare of greater.

• Located within flood zones plus climate change, where future river or sea flood risk is expected to increase.

• Located within flood zone 1 where national flood mapping identifies a risk of surface water flooding.

• Located within critical drainage area.

• Located within Flood Zone 1 where the Local Planning Authority's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) identifies an increased risk of flooding during the lifetime of the development.

• Proposing a change that increases the vulnerability classification of the site and may be affected by flooding.

A Flood Risk Assessment is a site specific technical report that evaluates flood risk and demonstrates how a proposed development can be designed to remain safe throughout its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

A flood risk assessment will included the following:

• Review of Environment Agency flood mapping and data

• Assessment of fluvial, tidal, surface water, reservoir, sewer and artificial sources flood risk.

• Analysis of historical flood records.

• Review of topography and existing drainage.

• Assessment of climate change.

• Application of the sequential and exception test (if required).

• Advice on finish floor levels and safe access/egress.

‍ The cost of a Flood Risk Assessment in England varies depending on the size, location and complexity of the proposed development.

Get in touch via our contact form or email hello@raincloud-consulting.co.uk and we will provide a clear and competitive fixed fee quotation with no hidden costs.

At Raincloud, we aim to deliver Flood Risk Assessments significantly faster than the typical 4–6 week industry standard, helping to keep your planning application on track wherever possible.

The overall timescale depends on the complexity of the site and, importantly, the availability of the information required to complete the assessment. This includes data from the Environment Agency, which can take up to 20 working days to be provided.

Once all relevant site information and third-party data have been received, our team will complete your Flood Risk Assessment as quickly and efficiently as possible, while ensuring it meets planning authority requirements.