Must-Know Details about Flood Risk Assessments in the UK

Posted by Alan Wood & Partners on October 29th, 2019

Flood risk assessment is one such project which is growing in importance to the growing risk of flooding in the United Kingdom. Apart from the physical damage to life and property it may be difficult to sell the land, get a mortgage, or get insurance cover, if there is a risk of flooding in the area.

 Why are Flood Risk Assessments necessary?

This report gives an overview of the important flood risks to a site scheduled for development and also offers suggestions to lower flood impact on that particular site and the neighbouring areas. In many instances, this report is required in order to get planning approval especially if the project is set in Flood Zone 3b, 3a, or 2. In some cases, if the project extends over one hectare, then the FRAs are necessary even for Flood Zone 1. Through thorough site investigations, this report checks whether the proposed development is feasible when considering the risk of floods in that area. Across the United Kingdom there is a risk of groundwater, sewer, river and even tidal flooding. While many projects in these areas are approved, the FRA ensures that developers know the risks involved and are aware of suggestions made by the EA or the Environment Agency.

 Why hire a firm to handle FRAs?

Professional firms in this niche, offer a wide range of services from site investigation, building and structural surveys, historic building conservation, Principal Designers, flood risk assessments and more. Their services can be customised to meet your requirements. For example, a firm will be able to create and design a comprehensive flood resilience package for your developmental project and maintain the property as well. Some of their main services in this respect may be:

• Analysing and modelling the flood flow route
• Predicting the level of flood water
• Handling discussions and negotiations with insurance parties
• Conducting drainage, hydrological and topographical surveys
• Creating measures of flood resilience which are compliant to insurance regulations
• Conducting cost-benefit reports and analysis

 Advantages to outsourcing

When working with an experience consultancy, they will have practical knowledge and training to expedite the entire process of planning for each client. Further, you will have a team of experts involved from the very first step to the last stage. Their timely guidance and advice on building design will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the project. Further, they will have the right connections with the Environmental Agency and will be in a better position to ensure that the building meets regulatory standards that are prevalent in the flood zone.

 Owing to the above reason, it is best to outsource Flood Risk Assessments to experts who have dealt with numerous projects in the past.