Flood Risk Assessment Reports for Properties in London
London, the capital city of England, is located in the southeast of the country. The city’s water system is formed by a complex network of rivers, canals, and waterways, including the famous Thames, Brent, Lea, and Wandle. The River Thames, which is London’s most iconic waterway, flows through the centre of the city, from west to east.
With the extensive urbanization of the city, numerous homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure have been developed in areas that are prone to flooding. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the magnitude of the challenge we encounter in reducing the risks and safeguarding the inhabitants and assets of the city.
The flood risk assessment cost is as follows:
Minor Development
From £650.00
Less than 9 dwellings. Industrial/office units smaller than 3,000 sqm
Major Development
From £1,850.00
More than 10 dwellings. Industrial/office units bigger than 0.5 Ha.
Strategic Development
£ on application
Infrastructure projects as part of strategic sites
First Report ready in 48 hours to validate your planning application
Our Clients
The flood risk of flooding in London
With a population estimated at 9,648,000, the capital city faces unique challenges related to flood risk and flooding.
In England, roughly 2.4 million individuals currently reside in flood-prone areas, with 11000 homes being built in flood zones across the UK.
Additionally, 34% of London residents report experiencing damage to their homes due to prior flooding incidents
The most common type of flooding in London is tidal or riverine flooding. This occurs when heavy rainfall causes the River Thames and its tributaries, like the River Brent and River Lea, to overflow their banks, inundating low-lying areas of the city.
Several boroughs in the city are at severe risk of flooding, including:
- Richmond,
- Brentford,
- Greenwich,
- Chelsea,
- Woolwich.
Our Experiences in London
The Blue Mind Spa, West India Quay, London
Urban Water proudly undertook a Level 1 Flood Risk Assessment for an exciting development nestled at E14 4ED. Our expertise was called upon to assess the flood risk for a ground-breaking project – ‘The Blue Mind Spa,’ an innovative mooring of a Dutch barge. This visionary venture offers an array of amenities, including an open-air heated pool, sauna, plunge pools, treatment rooms, and a wellness cafe, all designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Located at West India Dock North, adjacent to iconic cranes on the North Quay, the proposal included a commercial mooring, a naturally filtered heated lido, a roof terrace, and various facilities to create a holistic spa experience. Notably, the plan included a floating habitat and water-level visitor deck on the vessel’s south side.
Our Flood Hazard Assessment ensured that while the development faced potential coastal flooding risks, it was well-protected against groundwater, surface water, and drainage issues. Our meticulous evaluation demonstrated that existing flood defences exceeded a 1 in 200-year standard, factoring in climate change – ensuring the project’s resilience and longevity.
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Loren Apartments, Blair Street, London
In collaboration with RIDA Reports Ltd, Urban Water recently conducted a Level 1 Flood Risk Assessment for a development located at E14 0HY. Situated at 51 Blair Street, London, the site’s current use is a residential block of 4 storeys, classified as “More vulnerable” in terms of vulnerability, and located in River Flood Zone 3.
The proposed development entails a two-storey roof extension to accommodate four additional dwelling units within the existing residential block.
Our assessment determined that the vulnerability classification for this development is “More vulnerable,” with an estimated lifetime ranging from 50 to 100 years. Urban Water’s comprehensive assessment and proposed mitigation measures align seamlessly with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provisions, Environment Agency requirements, and local planning authority regulations.
Essex Villas, London
In collaboration with RIDA Reports Ltd, Urban Water recently conducted a Level 1 Flood Risk Assessment for a development located at E14 0HY. Situated at 51 Blair Street, London, the site’s current use is a residential block of 4 storeys, classified as “More vulnerable” in terms of vulnerability, and located in River Flood Zone 3.
The proposed development entails a two-storey roof extension to accommodate four additional dwelling units within the existing residential block.
Our assessment determined that the vulnerability classification for this development is “More vulnerable,” with an estimated lifetime ranging from 50 to 100 years. Urban Water’s comprehensive assessment and proposed mitigation measures align seamlessly with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provisions, Environment Agency requirements, and local planning authority regulations.
Other Flood Risk Projects
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Our Benefits
We will complete our first flood risk assessment in 48 hours. Allows you to validate your planning application.
We support you during the planning application. Our reports are updated as needed.
We give you the best chance to get planning approvals.
We give you a fixed price on all flood risk assessments.
Our Flood Risk Assessment Process
We work with developers, architects, and planning consultants. We develop suitable flood protection.
We obtain your development details. Such as drawings and survey levels.
We collect flood risk information for all sources of flooding.
We evaluate the flood risk information. It includes flood protection as required.
We consult the relevant statutory authorities. We obtain their appropriate approval
Our Flood risk assessment assesses all flood sources. It complies with flood risk legislation at the planning stage. This will safeguard your development throughout its lifetime.
What Our Clients Say
Other Services
Cost-benefit river modelling for your developments that is compliant with the Environment Agency requirements.
Our specialised planning consultants work to produce compliant reports for local councils.
Drainage strategies comply with national guides and the lead local flood authorities.
Design of Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to Zero Carbon.
Our Flood Maps
Our flood risk map tool determines the flood risk assessment for your development.
It has all of the relevant databases. You have all of the flood risk information at your fingertips. Use your postcode and zoom in to find your site.
London’s flood risk map displays areas vulnerable to flooding from different sources such as rivers, tidal surges, and surface water. The map uses a colour-coded system to indicate the level of risk, with high-risk areas highlighted in dark blue and low-risk areas highlighted in light blue and white.
A flood risk assessment is a helpful document for local authorities and residents to understand the flood risks in their area and provides potential solutions. This assessment provides an overview of all types of flooding in the region, including the level of risk. Additionally, some areas in London have Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) resources available, such as the West London Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), which focuses on flood analysis and management.
Check out this flood risk assessment map tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of London will flood by 2030??
Due to the expected rise in sea levels, many parts of East London, including Greenwich, Rotherhithe, Stratford, and East Ham, are at risk of flooding in the near future. Additionally, the southern part of the city is also vulnerable to flooding as the river in this region is flat and low.
By 2030, areas such as Camberwell, Southwark, Peckham, Deptford, and Battersea will be at a high risk of flooding. Also, areas in the North part of London, including Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes, would also be vulnerable to flooding.
Where are the flood risk zone in London?
Several areas in London are at risk of flooding due to the presence of huge water bodies like the River Thames and its tributaries. The Environmental Agency identifies and divides these zones into several threatened areas.
These areas include:
- Fulham,
- Wandsworth,
- Southwark,
- Hammersmith.
These are the most threatened areas in London.
What is the London Regional Flood Risk Assessment?
The Regional Flood Risk appraisal provides an overview of the sources of flooding in the city of London and addresses its consequences and probability. It uses a certain set of monitoring recommendations that will be used in the mitigation measures
What areas will be underwater in 2050 UK?
By 2050, the English coasts are expected to rise by approximately 35cm, submerging several areas underwater. Some of the affected regions include Filey in North Yorkshire, Happisburgh in Norfolk, and Camber in East Sussex. Additionally, various areas in London, such as Kensington and Chelsea, Chichester in West Sussex, and Portsmouth, are at high risk of flooding by 2050.
Is London at high risk for flooding?
London is prone to severe flooding, including fluvial, tidal, surface, sewer, and groundwater flooding. Climate change will increase the risk of flooding by rising sea levels, increase in rainfall and higher tidal surges.
Does the London Underground have floodgates?
Flood doors are installed in underground train stations that are situated on a floodplain. For instance, at Waterloo, floodgates have been installed where the tunnels of the Northern line go under the river. These gates are specifically designed to protect the underground railway system from flooding.
What are the long-term flood risk in London?
The flood map of London shows that within ten years, the city is at risk of being underwater. The River Thames’ entire bank could be at high risk of flooding, and the majority of east London could be the most vulnerable area.
Which tube stations are at risk of flooding?
According to the Greater London Authority, Dockland Light Railway and 72 London Underground stations are located on flood plains. Some of the highest-risk stations include:
- London Bridge,
- Waterloo,
- King’s Cross,
- Finsbury Park,
- Notting Hill Gate,
- Stockwell,
- Marble Arch,
- Colliers Wood.
The majority of these stations are on the tidal Thames floodplains.
What measures are in place that protect London from flooding?
The Thames Barrier is a 520-meter-long structure that spans across the River Thames and protects 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. It comprises ten individual gates that can be raised to different heights to control the river’s water flow. The main gate of the barrier is as tall as a five-story building and weighs a staggering 3,300 tonnes. The barrier plays a crucial role in safeguarding London from severe flooding and is closed during storm surges.
When did London last flood?
Flooding in London can happen any time of year. Recent floods occurred in July 2000, April and December 2008, and February 2018.
Would London flood without the Thames barrier?
The Thames Barrier plays a crucial role in mitigating the devastating effects of flooding. If it were not for this barrier, several areas in London, including Tower Bridge, Beckton, Southwark, the O2 arena, Whitechapel, and West Ham, would be submerged in floodwater. Therefore, the Thames Barrier plays a vital role in protecting the city from the adverse effects of flooding, which can cause significant damage and loss of life..
Does London usually flood?
London is prone to flooding, and the frequency of its flooding depends on the condition of the weather. Climate change will bring more rainfall, and London will have frequent flooding in the future.
What would happen if London flooded?
London is well protected from the high tides of the River Thames by numerous flood barriers. However, if the city were to flood entirely, the worst-case scenario would involve the flooding of the underground station, leading to the shutdown of all transport networks. This would have a significant impact on businesses and the global economy.
