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Flood risk assessment

Circumstances when this document should be submitted

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be required for development proposals of 1 hectare or greater in Flood Zone 1 and for all proposals for new development located in Flood Zones 2 and 3 as designated by the Environment Agency. A FRA will also be required for any development other than minor development in a designated critical drainage area which has been notified to the Local Planning Authority by the Environment Agency.

The FRA should identify and assess the risks of all forms of flooding to and from the development and demonstrate how these flood risks will be managed, taking climate change into account. The FRA should identify opportunities to reduce the probability and consequences of flooding. The FRA should include the design of surface water management systems including Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) and address the requirement for safe access to and from the development in areas at risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency has produced Standing Advice about Development and Flood Risk.

For further information visit the Environment Agency website.

Policy Reference

PPS 25 Planning and Flood Risk (2006)