Our Water Team specialists can assist on varying flood risk matters, providing site-specific advice to your development. We recognise the importance of minimising and managing the risk of flooding to your site, ensuring that both users of the site are safe, and the risk of flooding is not increased to the surrounding area.
Whether it is to inform your development potential, support a planning application or assist Local Authorities to undertake strategic planning, we have extensive experience in delivering complex technical reports for challenging projects, drawing on excellent numerical modelling capabilities and a diverse technical workforce.
Flood Risk Assessments
We provide flood risk assessments for all developments; ranging from reports to support householder or prior approval applications to large scale housing developments consisting of thousands of homes. We will appraise the risk of flooding from all sources taking due account of the impacts of climate change, utilising industry-standard software and the latest scientific data to provide the most accurate assessments possible. Where a risk is identified we will communicate any potential site constraints with regards to flood risk early on and, recommend appropriate flood mitigation measures to ensure that the flood risk can be managed.
Occasionally, our analysis may identify that there is no detailed flood information or available information is inaccurate and out of date. In such circumstances, we can expand our services to help include detailed numerical flood modelling. This can provide more flexibility in terms of scheme design and allows for different mitigation options to be tested.
The following services can either form part of our flood risk assessments or be provided as stand-alone service:
Flood Compensation Scheme
Where development is shown to have an adverse impact on the surrounding area due to floodwater displacement we can prepare a flood compensation scheme. The scheme will show how the offsite risk can be mitigated in accordance with the Environment Agency’s requirements. This can sometimes have a significant impact on the scheme design and therefore, it is imperative to consider flood compensation as early as possible within your design process.
Sequential Test Statement
A Sequential Test is typically required for sites which are shown to be at risk of flooding either now or in the future. The methodology applied for the Sequential Test can vary between Councils.
We have extensive experience in preparing Sequential Tests, having provided guidance to numerous Local Planning Authorities.
Flood Warning and Evacuation Plan
A Flood Warning and Evacuation Plan may be required if the development site is shown to be at high risk of flooding and safe access /refuge may not be achievable.
We can provide bespoke plans for your site to ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Feasibility Studies and Strategic Planning
Where mapping indicates that flood risk could be a constraint for development sites, we can undertake feasibility studies to determine the risk in more detail. Our work will identify the key constraints to the development and clearly set out recommendations to overcome any hurdles.
Early engagement means that we can assist with maximising the potential of the site, whilst ensuring that future development will be strategically viable.
Working on garden villages has shown that flood risk forms part of a wider remit and is an integral part of the design process, helping to reduce further risk.
BREEAM
If you aim to achieve BREEAM accreditation for your building, we can assist with the preparation of reports to achieve the requirements set out under Pol03 in relation to Flood Risk Management and Surface Water Management Runoff. Depending on the type of standard, available credits vary and the team will be able to confirm how many credits can be obtained.
Appeals and Expert Witness Advice
We have successfully represented clients at planning appeals, hearings and public enquiries. We are also able to offer Expert Witness input in our areas of expertise so feel free to get in touch should you require assistance with any of these services.
Flood Risk Activity – Environmental Permit
For any works within close proximity to a main river or flood defence , you will be required to apply for an environmental permit. This is regulated by the Environment Agency in England and we can provide support throughout the entire application process.
Water Framework Directive (WFD) Assessment
Where development could potentially impact on Water Framework Directive water bodies, an assessment of the impact may be required to show that the proposals do not result in a deterioration. We can undertake WFD Assessments, appraising the potential impacts of activities on site and outline mitigation measures to limit the impact.