Flood Risk Assessment Reports for Properties in Manchester
Manchester is situated in the north-western region of England and experiences substantial rainfall throughout the year, indicative of its temperate maritime climate. The city’s hydrological landscape is primarily influenced by the prominent River Irwell, which meanders through the city’s centre, augmented by numerous tributaries.
The other important rivers are River Medlock, River Mersey, River Irk, River Tib, and River Roch.
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 risk of flooding in Manchester
Manchester has seen significant flooding, particularly in the location situated near the River Irwell.
Currently, 163000 dwellings in the city are at high risk of flooding from surface water, while about 5,000 homes are at risk of river floods. Major storms last year in the city had an impact on around 430 dwellings.
The main types of flooding in Manchester are river and surface water flooding. The source of river flooding in the city is River Irk, Grey Well, Corn Brook, and Mersey. The city also has significant risk from surface water, mainly from the Ashton, Bridgewater and Rochdale canals.
Moreover, the environmental agency has issued alerts regarding the areas affected by flooding and are at a higher risk of flooding in the future. Areas near River Mersey
- Stockport
- Bramhall
- Sale
- Urmston
Wigan and Standish have also been affected by the flood in the River Douglas.
Our Experience in Manchester
Urban Water proudly showcases its latest project, a Level 2 – Scoping Study Flood Risk Assessment conducted for a development situated at SK1 1NE, Great Underbank, Stockport. The existing site, utilized for commercial activities, enjoys a less vulnerable classification. Nestled in River Flood Zone 2, the proposed project centered around renovating the basement, covering approximately 100 sqm. Our comprehensive assessment yielded a positive outcome, indicating that, with the integration of suggested mitigation measures, the development aligns seamlessly with the NPPF, Environment Agency, and local planning authority guidelines. Additionally, we recommended the creation of a formal Flood Warning and Emergency Response Plan to ensure occupants are well-prepared. This report underscores our commitment to delivering flood risk assessments that enhance safety and do not exacerbate flood risks elsewhere, reflecting our dedication to creating sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible projects.
Urban Water was commissioned to conduct a Level 1 – Screening Study Flood Risk Assessment for a development at M20 4WF, Mauldeth Road, Manchester. Initially, the site served as a garden and was classified as Water compatible in terms of vulnerability. Situated within River Flood Zone 3, the proposed project encompassed a property extension, covering approximately 270 sqm. Our assessment confirmed that, with the implementation of recommended mitigation measures, the development aligns with the NPPF, Environment Agency, and local planning authority guidelines. Furthermore, we proposed the creation of a formal Flood Warning and Emergency Response Plan, ensuring all occupants are well-informed and prepared for potential flood emergencies.
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.
The Manchester flood risk map was created by The Environmental Agency Manchester. It displays flooding data and represents mitigation measures to minimise the risk of flooding in the area.
The flood risk map for Manchester shows the chance of flooding from surface water and rivers. It is divided by regions based on the intensity of flooding and highlights the areas with different colours to show the frequency of flooding.
Moreover, Manchester uses a A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) to analyse the risk of flooding from all sources in an area and to locate critical drainage areas in Manchester. Furthermore, the Stockport Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) provides data for managing flood risks from surface water and other watercourses in Stockport. It also includes the responsibilities of the Stockport Council to manage flood risks. Whereas the Salford flood risk map shows the percentage of ongoing flood risk and how to develop in flood risk areas. It represents Salford’s flood alleviation strategies. Thus, flood risk maps are adequate to minimise the risk of flooding.
Check out this flood risk assessment map tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester at risk of flooding??
Manchester, like several other cities in the UK, is at a high risk of flooding due to its topography and location. With several rivers and a low-lying area, the city is prone to intensive riverine and surface water flooding. Manchester has a long history of flooding, with notable incidents occurring in 2015 and 2019. To address the risk of flooding, the UK government and non government agencies have implemented various measures. The Environment Agency provides comprehensive flood risk information and helps residents and businesses protect their properties during flooding.
Is there any flooding in Manchester?
No recent or current flood warnings have been reported. However, properties between Wythenshaw Rd and Bridgewater Canal and from Kirkland’s to A560 are at high risk of flooding
How will Manchester be affected by climate change?
Manchester, like many cities across the world, is likely to face the consequences of climate change in various ways. One of the most significant impacts of climate change on Manchester will be the rising temperature and fluctuating patterns of precipitation, leading to severe flooding in the region. Therefore, flooding is a major threat posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions in Manchester. The flooding incidents that occurred in February 2020 and January 2021 are prime examples of how climate change can have detrimental effects on cities like Manchester. Climate change can also indirectly impact Manchester by causing a rise in sea levels, resulting in an increased risk of flooding. Furthermore, it can alter the biodiversity in the area by changing the distribution and abundance of living species.
How do I know if it floods in my area?
To determine the likelihood of flooding in an area, it is important to monitor the water level and weather conditions. The Environment Agency flood warning officers, examine the tidal or water levels to forecast flooding and issue appropriate flood warnings to the affected localities
Where does Manchester, get its water from?
Manchester obtains it’s water from various sources, including groundwater, rivers, and reservoirs. However, it’s main source of water derives from three large upland reservoirs, including Longdendale, Woodhead, and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, which are located in the Peak District National Park. All three reservoirs are managed by a water company; United Utilities. Apart from this, the city gets water from several other small rivers and reservoirs, including the River Tame, the River Etherow, and the River Goyt. The water quality in Manchester is closely observed to ensure it is safe and of good quality. Various treatment processes are also used to ensure it meets UK drinking water standards.
Are there tornadoes in Manchester?
Tornadoes are a rare occurrence in Manchester and the United Kingdom as a whole. According to The Met Office, the UK experiences around 30 to 50 tornadoes each year, but most of them are weak and do not cause significant damage. Although Manchester is prone to severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and storms, tornadoes are not typically seen in the city.
What types of natural disasters occur in Manchester?
Unlike other parts of the UK, Manchester is not susceptible to major natural disasters. However, it does experience extreme weather conditions such as flooding, heat waves, and storms. Heavy rainfall causes the city’s rivers to overflow, flooding low-lying areas. The city is also prone to severe storms with high winds, rarely producing tornadoes. During winter, the city experiences freezing temperatures, and snowfall can make travel difficult during those seasons. Additionally, the UK is not vulnerable to major disasters such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions; the local administration takes great care in dealing with various emergencies or disasters.
Why does it rain a lot in Manchester?
Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, which results in heavy rainfall, mainly due to the Pennines, a range of mountains and hills in the north of England. The moist air from the west condenses into clouds as it passes across these mountain ranges. Additionally, the city is affected by winds that blow from the Atlantic Ocean, which further contribute to the high rainfall levels. The city’s urban environment, including buildings and roads, can also cause air pressure and temperature fluctuations, leading to cloud formation and subsequent rainfall. Therefore, Manchester’s location, urban environment, and prevailing winds are the major factors behind the area’s high rainfall level.
What is the most severe flood that has ever occurred in the UK?
The 1947 flood in the UK is often used as a benchmark to measure the severity of flooding in the region. It occurred in March of that year after heavy snowfall up to 1.5 meters deep was followed by the heaviest rainfall in history. As a result, the banks of most rivers in the Midlands, North Yorkshire, and East Anglia broke, causing the worst flood in the UK. The flood destroyed 300,000 hectares of land and killed tens of thousands of people while also wiping out food supplies. Many commentators consider this the worst flood in the country’s history.
