Flood Risk Assessments, (FRA’s)

REC is aware that PPG25 requires an assessment of flood risk as part of the planning process for certain new developments.

Flooding may pose a significant risk to both properties and people. Flood Risk Assessments (FRA’s) are often required as part of the submission of a planning application to identify the potential hazards and means by which the risk can be minimised or avoided.

REC has a team of hydrologists and engineers that can provide technical advice for risk assessments for new developments sites as part of planning applications.

Comprehensive risk assessments require the assessment of flood levels (historical and future), hydrology, flood defences structures, flood escape routes, mitigation measures and local drainage capacity.

The requirements for a flood assessment are;

• Location plan with new property clearly demarcated.

• Site plan showing existing ground levels and proposed floor levels relative to Ordnance Datum.

• Cross-section of site together with river levels.

• Details of flood alleviation measures.

• probability and magnitude of flooding.

• the need for mitigation measures, such as raising ground levels, use of flood barriers etc.

• drainage impacts, including details of any increased surface run-off and how this can be attenuated.

• the source of the flooding.

• Details of existing information on flooding.
  

Following severe flooding in Autumn 2000 Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 was issued in July 2001. The aim of this guidance was to improve the understanding and raise awareness of building new developments on or near to flood plains.

REC has previously developed numerous flood risk assessments for proposed developments at the planning stage to comply with planning guidance. All of this work is undertaken after consultation with the Environment Agency as it is recognised that early dialogue with interested parties will only serve to expedite matters.

REC has assisted many residential and commercial developers in the undertaking of such flood risk assessments, including consultation with the regulators and the undertaking of river modelling.

As part of a planning application for a new commercial devolvement in the Newcastle area, REC determined that the 1 in 100 year maximum flooding river levels were upto 3m below existing ground levels. REC therefore recommended that no flood mitigation measures were required as part of the development of the site and that planning permission should be granted for the site. The risk assessment was completed within a two week timeframe which allowed the client to make an informed judgment as part of ongoing negotiations for the acquisition of the site.