Services

Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)

FMW can deliver Flood Risk Assessments in England in line with the most up to date planning guidance – PPS 25 Development and Flood Risk (Revised April 2010). Our engineers have supported dozens of planning applications with no refusals on grounds of flood risk – the portfolio includes many projects where flood risk was a major constraining factor.

We understand that for many proposed developments in areas of heightened flood risk (typically in EA flood zones 2 and 3), early involvement at the preliminary masterplanning stage is advisable if the full potential of the site is to be unlocked. Following an initial scoping study, we are able to guide the design ensuring that vulnerable development is located away from the areas at greatest risk of flooding. Alternatively we can identify opportunities to challenge the flood plain extent. Through our experience we know when a flood map is inaccurate or conservative and we can advise on the potential for a successful challenge. In this way we have helped to unlock many hectares of previously undevelopable land for high value end use. Flood map challenges can be time consuming and requires strong negotiation skills with the EA and planning authorities, but the rewards are significant. FMW can fully manage the process and protect client interests throughout.

When we have compiled the supporting information (which may include hydraulic modelling), we are able to produce the FRA report. Our reporting follows a proven format, clearly identifying and addressing the issues of most concern to flooding stakeholders. We believe that the quality of our written and oral communication is one of the main reasons for our excellent success rate in gaining approval for FRAs.

At FMW our flooding experience also extends to projects in Scotland (SPP February 2010) and Ireland where the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities was introduced in November 2009. Our team also has experience of flood related projects in The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.