The August 2026 NPPF changes how flood risk is assessed at planning stage. This technical guide explains the revised FRA triggers, surface water Sequential Test rules, SuDS requirements and design implications for new development.
Technical lessons from the 2026 Yatton and Faversham judgments on flood risk, NPPF paragraph 11, mitigation and planning evidence.
The Environment Agency updated the Flood Map for Planning on 28 May 2026. New surface water climate change extents and banded depth information are now live. Here is what architects, planners and developers need to know.
The December 2025 draft NPPF proposes the most significant shift in flood risk planning policy in over a decade. For developers and architects, the direction is clear: drainage moves to the front of the design process, viability assessments get harder to flex, and national flood mapping is already catching sites off guard. Here is what the proposals mean in practice and three things worth doing before the final policy lands in Summer 2026.
Flooding is one of the most significant and growing risks facing UK property owners. More than 6 million properties in England are now at
The Environment Agency March 2025 Update introduces key changes to the Flood Map for Planning, including NaFRA2 data, climate projections, and improved flood zone mapping.
Explore flood risk assessments with recent updates on government policies, associated costs, and flood zones’ implications. Learn about integrating SuDS and future directions for effective flood risk management.
Explore essential guidance for effective wastewater management. Understand regulatory frameworks, foul drainage components, design and construction, climate impact, sewer system adoption, and maintenance.
Explore the best flood prevention strategies in the UK, including 10 ways to prevent flooding and protect your home. Understand geographical considerations and DIY solutions for stopping flood water.
Understand the different types of house drainage systems, their typical layouts, and the specifics of surface water, rainwater, and foul water drainage systems for domestic settings.
A significant update to flood maps for planning is set for March 2025. This update aims to enhance urban development and flood mitigation efforts. Stay informed about these critical changes!
Discover NaFRA2’s updates, including new features and key findings on flood risk in England. Understand data challenges and learn essential tips to prepare for future flood risks. Stay informed!
Understand the impact of high water tables on flood risk, learn to identify high water table areas, review UK flooding case studies, and understand permitting requirements. Explore future trends and climate change implications.
Discover how to use the BGS Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility Map for effective flood planning. Understand long-term planning with groundwater maps and explore future trends in flood risk management in the UK.
Understand the key provisions of the Flood and Water Management Act, its impact and interrelation with other legislation, flood risk management strategies, SuDS, challenges, and future directions for effective flood prevention.
Learn about infiltration testing procedures, costs, and options in the UK. Discover how to interpret test results, the impact of climate change on infiltration testing, and how to implement effective drainage solutions.
Discover how integrating planning with flood risk management is crucial. Understand flood risk zones, utilise flood risk maps, conduct site-specific assessments, implement SuDS, and engage stakeholders. Explore government policies and best practices.
Explore the impact of EA Flood Map Planning on development decisions, flood risk assessments, and integration with local policies. Learn about flood warnings, management challenges, opportunities, and future directions.
Understand EA Climate Change Allowances with a focus on mapping, flood risk assessments, peak rainfall implications, urban creep planning impact, and UK SuDS’ essential role in managing flood risk.
Explore flood models, and understand key concepts, factors, and various types including 1D models. Learn about design, analysis, simulation techniques, challenges, and innovations.
Discover the essential roles and responsibilities of Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs). Learn about their involvement in planning, community engagement, and future challenges.
This blog explores the Environment Agency’s role in designating CDAs, impacts on planning, notable UK examples, mitigation strategies, flood defences, and future directions.
Discover how to access and utilise the Environment Agency’s flood risk maps by postcode, understand their impact on property values, and integrate flood risk management into development plans for safer and sustainable growth.
An often overlooked yet crucial element of any construction project is a well-designed and functional drainage system. Neglecting this aspect can lead to a multitude
As our cities sprawl and populations surge, as metropolises become megalopolises, traditional foul drainage designs find themselves in a chokehold – straining under pressure. This
Living in the UK means staying informed about flood risks — it’s coming to terms with the fact that the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Living near the majestic Thames River is a privilege, offering a view of unparalleled beauty and undeniable charm. However, this picturesque setting also comes with
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are revolutionising urban planning with their ability to integrate sustainable water management into urban environments efficiently. At their core, they
As our cities grow, they bloom and branch out like weeds, and with that expansion, developers increasingly come into contact with the ravages of the
Effective surface water management is not just a technical necessity but is crucial for urban resilience and environmental sustainability. It’s our key to developing resilient
The integration of foul water drainage systems into sustainable urban development is essential. It’s the pivot that allows cities and properties to coexist peacefully and
Undеrstanding Sustainablе Urban Drainagе Systеms – SUDS – is crucial for building rеsiliеnt citiеs— cities that can withstand hardship and the punch of Mother Nature.
Assеssing flood barriеrs is crucial for urban protеction and planning, and it simply makes sense. Wе nееd to еvaluatе diffеrеnt designs, undеrstanding thеir strengths in
Advancеd stormwatеr managеmеnt tеchniquеs can rеvolutionisе citiеs, towns, and urban landscapes — and, to be honest, just about any place prone to runoff. By mimicking
Flood risk assеssmеnts traditionally rely on historical data, but this approach falls short in a changing climatе — one that’s erratic and prone to chaos
In 2023, England was struck by storms Babet and Ciaran. Heavy and persistent rain rained down on the UK in two months. Babet alone caused
Not earthquakes, not tsunamis, and indeed not hurricanes — floods, in all their many shapes and configurations, have easily climbed their way into the top
Water has always been a globally pressing issue — it has defined our history and path as a civilisation. We’ve been attracted to it due
Assessing flood risk is often overlooked in the urban design and planning ecosystem. The truth is that places and regions have a terrible habit of
This article will explain flood maps, importance of flood maps in planning,
flood risk assessment, flood zones and planning, accessing flood maps online, benefits of flood mapping in planning
and future trends in flood mapping and planning.
This article will explain flood maps, importance of flood maps in planning,
flood risk assessment, flood zones and planning, accessing flood maps online, benefits of flood mapping in planning
and future trends in flood mapping and planning.
This article will explain flood maps, importance of flood maps in planning,
flood risk assessment, flood zones and planning, accessing flood maps online, benefits of flood mapping in planning
and future trends in flood mapping and planning.
This article details SuDS, their environmental and social benefits, working, and the need to maintain and adopt them. We will also show you how Urban Water, a leading SuDS consultancy in England, can help you with your SuDS project
In this article you will know about the drainage consultancy, importance of a proper draiange design in the UK, regulations and compliance for drainage design in the UK, Steps involved in detailed drainage design and how you will choose the right consultant.
Learn how to protect your home and business from high-risk surface water flooding with our comprehensive guide. Mitigation strategies, case studies, and more.
Discover the french drain essentials, including components, design principles, calculation, installation and maintenance tips for effective property drainage.
In this article, you will learn about the importance of floodplains. We will discuss the benefits, impact of climate change, and UK regulations.
Learn how to protect your home and business from high-risk surface water flooding with our comprehensive guide. Mitigation strategies, case studies, and more.
Learn about the risk of flooding and how to prepare for it. This comprehensive guide covers flood prevention, mitigation, and UK regulations.
Learn about PPG Flood Risk Solutions. In this guide, we have cover PPG management approach, PPG recommended flood risk solutions and its regulations in UK.
Discover the factors that affect flood risk assessment cost ranging from location to assessment type, and how to choose the right assessors to avoid property damage
Flood risk is the combination of the probability of a flood. Explore basic concepts on flooding, the EA flood maps and see the most at risk of flooding.
This guide provides in-depth detail of the changes to the PPG, and it highlights areas where improvements have been made in flood risk management.
Flood alerts are crucial for saving lives in the UK. Reliable alerts help responders take quick action to protect vulnerable communities. Find out how to stay safe
This is a comprehensive guide for London flood risk map. You will be able to access flood maps for each borough and find out more about flooding
We provide you with a comprehensive guide to long term flood risk. From assessing to implementing flood prevention strategies in case of a flood.
Floating houses give a unique waterfront living experience. Explore examples of this live stile and find more details on their building requirements
Explore our flood risk map tool with the latest government flood information. Find your flood risk, check if a placed was flooded and more…
Modular houses in flood risk areas can be customized to be more resistant to flood damage or moved in the event of a flooding. Learn more.
Explore examples of flood resilient city scape level. See how town planners and communities have aligned their way of live to flooding
Explore Surface Water Drainage solutions that help resolve flooding at your site. Get the latest information. Check out post
This guide shows examples of Buildings climate change adaptation. These examples shows the different approaches to climate change.
Soakaway design for developments, find the latest information on how to design, built and maintain a soakaway system. Includes calculators!
Learn how natural swimming pools are designed, examples, advantages and how they can fit you water management.
Permeable Pavement: Learn the basics of permeable paving. Explore the different materials, and advantages of using permeable surfaces for the management of water.
Find how to choose a sewage treatment plant. Its principles for treatment and costs. Independent advice. Includes calculators!
Explore green roofs, their advantages, planting, costs and more. Independent advice in choosing a green roof for your development.
Learn and explore with examples flood resilience construction interventions applicable to each type of flooding. Use latest interventions.
Find out how rainwater harvesting systems work, their costs and advantages. Independent advice in choosing a harvester. Includes calculator!
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House This house designed by Mies is the one having the smallest footprint. It is least disruptive to the
Flood risk planning includes developing flooding risk reduction strategies, identifying flood-prone areas, and minimizing the impact of flooding.