Why does it take 25 days to get a Flood Risk Assessment?

It takes 20 working days to get a flood levels from the Environment Agency, this is the statutory response time for a freedom of information request.The flood modellers at the Environment Agency interrogate their river models and give the latest flood levels.

How do I know if my property is in a flood zone?

You can find out if your property is in the river flood zone by:<ul><li>Consulting the Environment Agency flood risk map for planning</li><li>Determining if part of the house or development is within the blue area i.e. Flood Zone 2 or a Flood Zone 3</li><li>Obtaining the property ground levels and river flood levels if you are within flood Zone 2 or 3. You can obtain the river levels directly from the Environment Agency</li><li><a style="font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="mailto:enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk">Sending an e-mail to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk</a> requesting the Product 4 information. Attach a drawing showing the location of your property and the post code</li><li>Determining the levels of your property by instructing a topographical surveyor to complete a level survey of your house. The levels must be in mAOD</li><li>Comparing the Environment Agency flood levels and your property levels. Your property is in a Flood Zone 2 or a Flood Zone 3 if the flood levels are higher than your property levels</li></ul>We can help you with this process and clearly indicate if your property is in the flood zone. We can also help you determine the best ways to protect your property from flooding.

Is my house at risk of flooding UK?

To find out if you are at risk of flooding in England you could follow these actions:<ul><li>Consult the Environment Agency long term flood risk from surface water map </li><li>Consult the Environment Agency flood risk map for planning</li><li>Consult the Environment Agency flood risk from reservoirs map</li><li>Contact your local council asking them for the surface water flood maps for your area and about the risk of groundwater flooding. Send an e-mail to either the Highways department or the local Planning office</li><li>Your local council can be found on the gov.uk website by using the post code of the property</li><li><a style="font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="mailto:enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk">Send an e-mail to: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk</a> requesting the Product 4 information. Compare the river levels against your property levels</li><li>It is not possible to determine if an individual property is at risk of flooding from the maps. Your property can be at risk of flooding even if it is located at the border of a flood risk areas</li><li>The best way to determine if your house is at risk of flooding is by comparing the flood levels and the levels of your property. You then add the climate change allowance to all these levels.</li><li>The climate chance allowance for England varies between 600mm to 1100mm. This will give a better idea of the depth of flood and allows you to prepare in advance for a flood.</li><li>The models are updated every 3 months and the levels given by the Environment Agency should be taken as guidance only. It is important to recognize that flood events can be higher.</li><li>For instance in England the Environment Agency gives levels for 1 in 100 and 1 in 200 storm events while in the Netherlands and Germany the levels are for 1 in 500 storm events.</li></ul>We can help you clearly identify the level of risk that you property has and the steps that you can take to protect your property.

Yes, canals can flood. This happens when the flood river levels are high and do not allow for the water within the canal to have a free discharge. Floods in canals are less likely to happen as the flow coming into the canal is control. However, flooded canals tend to have a higher risk to users and also properties near them. The flood risks from canals are:<ul><li>Boats in the canal can be moved over the banks and affect properties</li><li>Flood water over the canal banks can erode the bank and cause total failure of the bank. This can have catastrophic consequences to near by properties</li><li>Water moves over banks very fast and this can affect pathway users</li></ul>Although canals do flood, the canal are maintained by the canal and river trusts with substantial checks and investments in the waterways.

What do I need to submit as part of the compensatory flood storage?

The following information is required as part of the compensatory flood storage:<ul><li>Site plan indicating the proposed and existing development</li><li>Flood Zone showing the extent and depth of the flood area for the existing and proposed development</li><li>Calculations showing the proposed area of displaced flood water and the compensatory storage area </li><li>Cross-sections showing proposed and existing ground levels in relation to finished floor levels</li><li>Digital terrain model showing the flood in relation to the development</li></ul>

Flood Risk Assessment For Planning Applications

Q: Who approves a Flood Risk Assessment?

The Environment Agency approves the Flood Risk Assessments. The local council approves the Flood Risk Assessments for house extensions and areas located away from main rivers.

Q: Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?

You can check our maps to see if you need a Flood Risk Assessment. You will need Flood Risk Assessment if your development is located within Flood Zone 2 or 3. You will also need a Flood Risk Assessment if your development is located within flood zone 1 but affected by any other sources of flooding. For example: surface water run-off, groundwater flooding or if your development is located within a critical drainage area.

Q: What is a hydraulic model?

A hydraulic model is detailed mathematical representation of hydraulic equations that mimics the movement of water over a surface. The hydraulic models will provide the levels, velocity and volume of water. A hydraulic modeller uses either a 1D or 2D dimensions model to determine the water movement depending on the the type of structures located within the watercourse of the flood zone.

Q: How do I get the flooding history for a property?

Follow the next steps to determine the flood history of a property:<ol><li>Get the address and create a site location map.</li><li><a href="mailto:enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk">email to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk</a> to provide your contact details and request flooding history.</li><li>This service will usually cost £25.</li><li>20 working days later, you will be emailed the flooding history report.</li></ol>If the property details are not available on the flood register, you can do the following: <ol><li>Check our map to determine if the property has been flooded in the past.</li><li>Contact the local surveyors and property agents to request property details.</li><li>Use the internet or local newspapers. </li></ol>

Q: What does Flood Zone 2 and 3 mean?

Flood Zones 2 and 3 are flood risk areas, and are determined by storm event probability. There are 4 flood river Zones in England. Flood Zone 1 has low flood risk, Flood Zone 2 has a medium flood risk and Flood Zone 3 has the highest flood risk. Flood Zone 3 is divided into Flood Zone 3a and 3b. Flood zone 3a is the watercourse bed or the functional flood plain. This is the area that is used constantly by flood water. Flood Zone 3b is an area that the river can use as flood water storage.

Q: What is a high risk flood area?

In England a high risk flood area is an area that is located within Flood Risk Zone 3. A Flood Zone 3 is an area where flood water is stored and where the river flows. Basements and critical infrastructure are unlikely to get planning approval in these areas.

For Housing, Commercial & Industrial Developments

Our Flood Risk Assessment Reports

Our highly experienced chartered engineers and expert modelers ensure that our Environment Agency flood risk assessment are based on reliable data.

Urban Water flood risk assessment reports will be fully compliant with the Environment Agency, the local council, and the National Planning Policy Framework. This will safeguard your development from flooding throughout its lifetime. The flood risk assessment cost is as follows:

We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Risk

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems. We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Risk Management

Flood Risk Managements

Flood Management

Flood Managements

Risk Management

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Risks Management

Risk Managements

Flood

Floods

Floods Risk

Flood Assessment

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Assessments

Flood Risk Assessment

Flood Risk Assessments

Flood Risk House

Flood Risk Home

Flood Risk Housing

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Risk for Housings

Flood Assessment Commercial

Flood Assessments Commercial

Flood Risk Assessments Commercial

Flood Assessment for Commercial

Risk Assessment Commercial

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Application Commercial

Flood Applications Commercial

Flood Risks for Commercial

Floods Commercial

Flood Planning

Flood Risks Planning

Flood Risk Assessment Methodology

lood Risk Assessment Methodologies

Flood Risk Assessments Methodology

Flood Risk Assessment Methodology

Flood Risk Methodology

Flood Assessment Methodology

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Methodology

Risk Assessment Methodology

lood Risks Assessment Methodology

Assessment Methodologies

Flood Risk Map Tools

Flood Risks Map Tools

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Risk Map

Map Tools

Map Tool

Flood Level

Flood levels

hydraulic model

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

hydraulic models

Flooding History

hydraulic model

hydraulic models

Flood Zone

Flood Zones

We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.We have extensive experience in dealing with water companies and the lead local flood authority standards for the adoption of sewerage systems.We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process from drainage design outline to construction. Secondly, our designs include drainage strategies, tender drainage drawings, detailed drainage drawings, sewer permit applications.Thirdly, our designs aim to maximize the use of sustainable drainage solutions and minimize the use of material and energy.

Flood Zone 2, 3, 4

Functional Flood

Risk of flooding in UK

High risk flood areas

high risk flood areas in UK

Compensatory Flood Storage

Minor Development

From £450.00

Less than 9 dwellings or industrial/office units smaller than 3,000 sqm

Major Development

From £850.00

More than 10 dwellings or industrial/office units bigger than 0.5 Ha

Strategic Development

£ on application

Infrastructure projects of new sites that are part of strategic sites

Let's Get Your Project Started

How do we Work?

Go Ahead

We will contact the Environment Agency and get to work on your flood risk assessment report.

48 Hours Later

You receive a flood risk assessment showing our initial findings.

Submit our Report

You can submit our flood risk assessment to register or validate the planning application.

Consultations

We will obtain the flood levels or complete the river modelling within 4 weeks and re-submit our flood risk assessment.

Final Report Includes:

Resistance and Resilience Interventions
Access and Evacuation Plan
Surface Water Management Principles
Flood Compensations Calculations
Evaluation flooding from other sources.

Let's Get Your Project Started

Our Benefits

Time

We will complete our first flood risk assessment in 48 hours that allows you to register your planning application.

Support

We support you through planning until a decision is made. Our flood risk assessment will be updated as required.

Success

Our Flood Risk Assessment expertise gives you the best chance to get planning approvals.

No Hidden Fees

Fixed price for all of our flood risk assessments.

Our Flood Risk Assessment Methodology

We listen to and work with developers, contractors, communities, architects, planning consultants and the Environment Agency to develop sustainable flood risk assessment and interventions. Our work is a reflection of our ethics and our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable society. We are one of the leading flood risk assessment companies.

Obtain Project Details

We obtain your development’s drawings, topographical survey levels in mAOD and site location.

Consult Flood Risk Databases

We collect flood risk information for rivers, sea, surface water run-off, groundwater, critical drainage and reservoirs.

Evaluate Flood Risk

We evaluate the detailed flood risk information for all potential sources of flooding and create flood river modelling as required.

Liaise with Authorities

We consult the Environment Agency, water company and local planning authorities to obtain the relevant approval.

Our proactive engineers and modellers utilise their flood risk assessment experience and understanding of the complexities of flood management to provide your development with flood protection.

Let's Get Your Project Started

Other Services

River Modelling

Best cost benefit river modelling for your developments compliant with the Environment Agency requirements.

Sequential Test

Our specialised planning consultants work to produce compliancy reports for local councils.

Drainage Strategy

Drainage strategies fully compliant with national guides and the lead local flood authorities.

Climate Adaptation

Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to Zero Carbon for the protection of communities.

Let's Get Your Project Started

Flood Risk Map Tool

We have created a flood risk map tool to determine the flood risk for your development and put together all of the relevant databases so you have all of the flood risk information at your fingertips. You can find the flooding history of your development with the postcode or by using the site address. This information form part of our flood risk assessment reports.

For example, you can identify the flood risk by town by using flood risk map Oxford or flood risk map London.

Check out this flood risk assessment map tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Flood Risk Assessment always required?

A flood risk assessment is required when the development is located within an area at a medium to high risk of flooding. The requirements of a flood risk assessment are underpinned within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for developments. The aim of the NPPF is to move properties away from flood risk areas. The flood risk assessment should demonstrate that areas at low risk of flooding have been considered.

How does a Flood Risk Assessment get approved?

The Environment Agency approves Flood Risk Assessments using the recommendations provided by the National Guidance and then local council approves the Flood Risk Assessments for house extensions and areas located away from main rivers.

When is a Flood Risk Assessment required?

You can check our flood maps to see if you need a Flood Risk Assessment, we have included the Environment Agency flood map for planning within our tool. You can explore our maps using a flood risk post code check. The local authority will request a Flood Risk Assessment for your development site if it is located within Flood Zone 2 or 3 when trying to obtain planning permission.

You will also need a Flood Risk Assessment if your development is located within Flood Zone 1 but is affected by any other sources of flooding. Examples of other sources of flooding include: groundwater flooding, surface water run-off, or if your development is situated within a critical drainage area. See our video below.

How long does it take to confirm the flood levels?

It takes 20 working days to get flood levels from the Environment Agency. This is the standard response time for a freedom of information request.

The flood modellers at the Environment Agency analyse their river models and supply the latest flood levels. We use this information to inform our flood risk assessment reports.

How is hydraulic model made?

A hydraulic model is a detailed mathematical representation of hydraulic equations that mimics the movement of water over a surface. The hydraulic models will provide the levels, velocity and volume of water.

A hydraulic modeller uses either a 1D or 2D model to determine the water movement depending on the type of structures located within the watercourse of the flood zone. We use the result of the modelling to inform the conclusions of our flood risk assessment reports.

See how we complete our hydraulic models.

Let's Get Your Project Started

How do I get the flooding history for a property?

To determine the flood history of a property, follow these steps:

Obtain the address of the property and create a site location map.
email to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk to provide your contact details and request flooding history. This service will usually cost £25.
20 working days later, you will be emailed the flooding history report.

If the property details are not available on the flood register, you can do the following:

Check our flood risk map UK to determine if the property has been flooded in the past. This information is also used in our flood risk assessment reports.
Contact the local surveyors and property agents to request property details.
Use the internet or local newspapers.

What does Flood Zone 2 and 3 mean?

Flood Zones 2 and 3 are flood risk areas and are determined by storm event probability.

There are 4 flood river zones in England. Flood Zone 1 is an area at a low risk of flooding, Flood Zone 2 is an area at a medium risk, and Flood Zone 3 is an area at the highest risk of flooding. These flood zones can be seen in the flood zone map produced by the Environment Agency.

The Flood Zone 3 is divided into two zones: Zone 3a and Zone 3b.

Functional flood plain or watercourse bed Flood zone 3a and is the area that is used constantly by flood water. Flood Zone 3b is an area that can be used by the river as flood water storage. The flood risk assessment will determine if your development is allowed within the flood zones. See our video for more details.

How to check if a property is in a flood zone?

You can determine if your property is in the river flood zone in a number of ways, by:

Consulting our flood risk map.
Referring to the Environment Agency flood risk map for planning.
Establishing if part of the development or property is located within the blue area i.e. Flood Zone 2 or Flood Zone 3.
Obtaining the river flood levels (directly from the environment agency) and the property levels if the development is located within Flood Zones 2 or 3.
Sending an e-mail to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk and requesting the Product 4 information. You must attach a drawing demonstrating the location of your property along with the post code. This is the same information that is used in a detailed flood risk assessment.
Employing a topographical surveyor to carry out a level survey or your house. The levels must be in mAOD.
Comparing the levels of your property against the Environment Agency flood levels. Your property is in a Flood Zone 2 or a Flood Zone 3 if the flood levels are higher than your property levels.

Our flood risk assessment reports can assist you throughout this process and determine if your property is located within the flood zone and we can also help you to establish the best ways to protect your property against flooding. See our video showing our flood risk map tool.

Is my house at risk of flooding in the UK?

You can find out if your property is at risk of flooding in the UK by:

Consulting our flood map UK which provides details of flood risk for rivers, surface water and reservoirs and can even find if your area has been flooded in the past.
Referring to the Environment Agency long term flood risk map including the surface water flooding map, the Environment Agency flood risk map for planning and the Environment Agency flood risk from reservoirs map.
Getting in touch with your local council and requesting the surface water flood map for your location, as well as the information on the risk of groundwater flooding. You can also send an email to the local planning office or Highways Department.
Using your postcode to find your local council on the gov.uk website.
Sending an e-mail to: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk and making a request for the Product 4 information. You can then compare the river levels against your property levels. The flood risk assessment uses this information.

It is impossible to determine with certainty if a property is at risk of flooding by consulting the maps alone. Your property can still be at risk of flooding even if it is situated on the border of flood risk areas. Because the need of a quality flood risk assessment that clearly determine the property flood risk.

The most successful way of establishing if your house is at risk of flooding is by comparing the levels of your property against the flood levels. You must then factor in climate change allowance to all of these levels.

The climate change allowance for England varies from 600mm to 1100mm. This will give you a better idea of the depth of a potential flood and will allow you to make advance preparations for a flood. The flood risk assessment will clearly define the applicable climate change percentage for your development.

The flood models are updated every three months and should be used only as guidance. It is important to recognize that flood events can be higher than estimated.

For example, in England, the Environment Agency provides levels for 1 in 100 and 1 in 200 storm events. By comparison, in Germany and the Netherlands, the levels are provided for 1 in 500 storm events.

Our flood risk assessment can assist you in identifying the level of risk your property is at and the steps you can take to protect against flooding.

Let's Get Your Project Started

Do canals flood?

Yes. Canals flood when the flood river levels are high and do not let the canal water have a free discharge. Canal floods are less likely to occur because the flow coming into the canal is in control. In spite of this, canals that do flood have a higher risk to users and to properties in the vicinity. The flood risks from canals are:

Boats in the canal moving over the banks and affecting properties.
The erosion of canal banks by flood water, leading to total failure of the bank. This can have catastrophic consequences to nearby properties.
Water moving quickly over banks and affecting pathway users.

Although canal flooding is a possibility, canals are carefully maintained by the canal and river trusts, who invest substantially in the maintenance of waterways.

The flood risk assessment should incorporate the potential for flood risk posed by canals and any other open water feature.

What is a high risk flood area?

In England, an area located within the Flood Risk Zone is classified as a high risk flood area. Flood Zone 3 is an area where the river flows and where flood water is stored. It is uncommon for basements and critical infrastructures to receive planning approval (even with a flood risk assessment) in these areas.

In most cases providing a flood risk assessment would not be warranty to obtain planning permission.

Will global warming cause floods?

Global warming increases the chances and consequences of flooding. This happens because a warmer atmosphere holds more water and thus causes heavier downpours in certain areas. Climate change brings less water to dry areas and more water to wet areas. Long dry spells ensure that already dry soils have less potential to absorb water quickly during torrential downpours.

The models provided by the Environment Agency allow for a 30% and 70% climate change increase in flow. In some areas, this means that the current flood levels will rise by at least 600mm (2 feet)!

A Flood risk assessment should take into account the climate change and provide water resistance and resilience intervention which a climate change sensitive.

What should a flood risk assessment include?

A flood risk assessment should include the following:

Site address and location.
Review of the local Strategic Flood Risk assessment.
Description and drawing of proposals.
Evaluation of the site hydrology, geology and hydrogeology.
Application of the sequential test or standing advice.
Evaluation of flood hazard assessments from rivers and sea (including flood levels from the EA), canals, surface water run-off, sewer flood and groundwater.
Management of the flood risk. This involves flood resilience and resistance interventions, site access and progress evaluation.
A flood risk assessment evaluates the off-site impact of the flood risk. This usually involves the principles for surface water management, the conveyance of flood and the flood compensation storage calculations.
Determining the residual risk. This includes site access and public safety, flood warning and evacuation or an emergency response plan.

You can check out our flood risk assessment blog which provides further information on how to undertake a flood risk assessment.

Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment?

You need a flood risk assessment if your development is in Flood Zone 2 or 3 or if your development is greater than 1Ha located within Zone 1.

You also need a flood risk assessment if your development is less than 1Ha and is affected by surface water, groundwater or is located in a critical drainage area.

Your flood risk assessment should be in compliance the the national planning legislation and also comply with the strategic flood risk assessment principles.

How long does a Flood Risk Assessment take?

A Flood Risk Assessment takes 48 hours to complete without the flood levels. This Flood Risk Assessment will allow you to register the planning application. The complete flood risk assessment with levels takes 25 days to undertake as the Environment Agency releases the flood level information within 20 working days. Flood models can be ready within two weeks if the flood level information is not available.

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What does Flood Zone 1 mean?

Flood Zone 1 means that the river flood level of risk for your development is low. It also allows the development to be completed without having to put together resilience and resistance interventions.

If your development is in flood zone 1, usually does not need a flood risk assessment unless is more than a hectare or it is affected by other sources of flooding.

Can you build on Flood Zone 3?

It is possible to build on land located within Flood Zone 3. For example, you can expand your house or create a development that fully integrates the flood levels within the location and layouts of properties. The flood risk assessment should clearly stated the access and egress paths, property levels and flood resistance and resilience interventions.

Housing developments should pass the sequential and exception tests and provide evacuation routes located above the flood levels. The flood risk assessment should support the outcome of the development.

How do you mitigate flood risk?

The flood zone mitigation interventions depend on the depth of floodwater.

For instance, for shallow depth of water up to 300mm (1 foot), the best option is to keep the water out by locating the building above the flood levels. This can be achieved by building walls and floodgates or by raising the final floor level of your development above the flood level by 300mm.

When dealing with deeper water levels, you must account for building materials, foundations, walls, floors, services, fittings, doors and windows that minimize water entry and maintain structural integrity.

For water entry, you will need to consider materials and construction techniques that facilitate drying and cleaning.

Mitigation strategy must be in compliance with the “CLG 2007 Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings publication” for new buildings and the “Preparing for floods, Interim Guidance for Improving the Flood Resistance of Domestic and Small Business Properties” for existing buildings. Our flood risk assessment reports identify the flood mitigation intervention that your development should have to make it safe.

What is a Compensatory Flood Storage in a flood risk assessment?

A compensatory flood storage is the volume that your development takes from the Flood Zone and it is calculated for all developments within flood Zones 2 and 3.

The compensatory flood storage within the flood risk assessment includes both zones and should be in compliance with the following requirements:

It should be provided on level for level and volume for volume basis by gradually lowering ground levels. Flood water within the storage should flow freely out of the lowered area when flooding recedes.
It should be located next to the Flood Zone wherever possible.
The volume of the compensatory flood storage provided must be equal to the volume of floodwater displaced by the development.

What does a flood risk assessment include as part of the compensatory flood storage?

The following information is included in our flood risk assessment and it is required as part of the compensatory flood storage:

A site plan indicating the proposed and existing development.
A map of the flood zone demonstrating the extent and depth of the flood area for the existing/proposed development.
Calculations illustrating the proposed area of displaced flood water and the compensatory storage area.
Cross-sections showing proposed and existing ground levels in relation to finished floor levels.
A digital terrain model showing the flood in relation to the development.