Flood Risk Assessment

Planning policy PPS25, TAN15 and SPP7 in England, Wales and Scotland respectively requires flood risk assessments to be undertaken for certain developments.

Background

Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) are required for developments located within Flood Zones 2 or 3, as designated by the Environment Agency, and for developments greater than 1 hectare in size. The FRA process is prescribed and varies throughout the constituent countries of the UK. The focus of these assessments is to identify the consequences of proposed development in relation to run-off and flooding risk.

Services

FRAs are regularly undertaken by Hafren Water, primarily to support planning applications for proposed developments. Qualitative and quantitative risk assessments are undertaken to assess:

  • The risk of flooding at a site.
  • The impact of a development on floodwaters.
  • The increased risk of local flooding caused by site development.
  • The impact of storm water management at a site.
  • Mitigation options for reducing flood risk to and from a site and managing storm water run-off.
  • Feasibility of sustainable drainage systems.

Hafren Water keeps abreast of new legislation and guidance and this, together with close working relationships with clients and a detailed knowledge of the workings of the Environment Agency, ensures a cost-effective service.

To ensure that surface run-off is not increased as a result of new development it has become standard for the Environment Agency and Planning Authorities to request for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to be incorporated within water management schemes. FRAs are therefore often undertaken in conjunction with the assessment and design of SUDS schemes resulting in the development of mitigation or compensation measures for flood impactsThe strategic planning of sustainable water management schemes is also undertaken by Hafren Water.

Hafren Water has experience of undertaking FRAs for a variety of developments and a wide range of clients. FRAs for quarry developments, large and small housing schemes and industrial developments are undertaken.

A selection of relevant case studies can be viewed here

Clients

FRA work has been undertaken for a very wide range of clients from individuals to City Councils and large PLCs. Hafren Water has recently completed water-related work for (amongst others):

  • McCartneys
  • National Trust
  • Ecological Consultants University of Sheffield
  • Tarmac
  • Hanson
  • Salop Sand & Gravel
  • D K Symes Associates
  • Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council

For further information regarding flood risk assessments please contact Chris Leake on 01743 355770 or email

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