Flood Risk Assessment
A flood risk assessment determines the potential for flooding and helps evaluate the impact of proposed development on the flood risk. They provide the technical evidence needed for numerous planning applications, contributing to the development of safe, sustainable developments.
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Planning & Flood Risk
Understanding Flood Risk Assessments Before You Build
A flood risk assessment (FRA) is essentially a study of whether or not a proposed development will impact upon flooding and if the development will aggravate flooding risk elsewhere. It is often necessary to obtain an FRA from local planning authorities when planning for a development in flood zones or where there are known drainage issues. The flood risk assessment is produced by a flood risk assessment consultant who examines the flood information, site conditions, and planning policies to make recommendations for practical solutions. Courous is an experienced flood risk consultancy that supports planning applications to safeguard the people, property and environment. The following are the benefits:
Identifies flood risks affecting your site
Supports planning applications with clear technical evidence
Recommends practical flood risk management solutions
Our Flood Risk Assessment Services
Our comprehensive service includes:
Site-specific Flood Risk Assessments
Sequential and Exception Tests
Surface water flood risk assessments
Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) strategies
Climate change assessments
Planning support and technical responses to consultees
Finished Floor Level (FFL) recommendations
Flood mitigation measures
Flood Warning and Evacuation Plans
Planning support and technical responses to consultees
Each assessment is prepared specifically for your development and supported by the latest flood mapping, hydraulic data and planning guidance.
Designed to Current Guidance
Our SuDS designs are developed in accordance with the latest industry guidance, including:
- CIRIA SuDS Manual (C753)
- Non-Statutory Technical Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Local Authority and LLFA SuDS guidance
- Water company design requirements
Every design is tailored to the specific planning policies, flood risk and drainage requirements applicable to the project location.
Suitable For
We provide SuDS design for:
- Residential developments
- Commercial developments
- Industrial sites
- Schools and education facilities
- Highways and infrastructure projects
- Public sector developments
- Redevelopment and regeneration schemes
Why Choose Courous?
Our experienced drainage engineers design SuDS that balance hydraulic performance, planning compliance and long-term maintenance. Whether incorporating swales, permeable paving, detention basins, infiltration systems or underground attenuation, we deliver practical drainage solutions that support sustainable development while meeting the latest UK guidance.
Our Flood Risk Assessment Process
Each development site faces different challenges. This is why we provide tailored assessments for every development site. We follow a structured assessment in accordance with the location, flood history and planning needs of the site. This results in a detailed report covering all aspects, which can help in efficient planning and compliance with regulations.
Site Review & Data Collection
Flood mapping data, historical flood data, topography, drainage, and site-specific data are collected to determine existing flood conditions.
Flood Risk Analysis
We evaluate the existing flooding risk as well as future flooding risk, including climate change allowances, to determine the risk of flooding to the proposed development.
Mitigation Recommendations
Any identified risks are recommended to be mitigated through practical measures that will contribute to flood risk prevention, and generally provide site resilience for the long term.
Planning Report & Submission
We produce a comprehensive report to help with flood risk assessment planning. It helps in providing the planning authority with the information required to assess your plan.
Need a Flood Risk Assessment for Your Project?
From new construction, extensions, commercial development, to redevelopment projects, Courous provides flood risk assessments that are specific to your site. Our team provides practical guidance from the initial assessment through planning submission to help keep your project moving forward. Book the consultation today!
Planning Applications
When Is a Flood Risk Assessment Required?
Planning authorities may need to consider a flood risk assessment for developments in flood zones because they are more likely to experience surface water flooding. It is also useful for sites where development might impact upon the local drainage. It is important to be aware of these requirements in the early stages to avoid planning delays and control project costs. The following are the common situations:
- New residential and commercial development projects
- Sites within Flood Zones or drainage risk areas
- Large developments requiring efficient drainage strategies
- Redevelopment, extensions, and change-of-use projects
- Planning applications requiring technical flood evidence
TESTIMONIALS
Online Reviews of Our Clients
Don’t just take our word for the excellent services and reliability of our drainage design consultants. Read the experiences of our clients to see for yourself.
“Courous provided a clear and efficient drainage design solution for our development project. Their team was responsive, knowledgeable, and delivered everything on schedule.”
“We were impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail throughout the project. The drainage design was practical, reliable, and easy to implement.”
“The team offered excellent technical guidance from start to finish. Their expertise helped us move through the planning process with confidence.”
“Courous delivered a well-structured drainage solution that met all project requirements. Communication was excellent, and every stage was handled professionally.”
“Their consultants understood our project needs and produced accurate designs within the agreed timeframe. We would gladly work with Courous again.”
Flood Risk Consultants Near You
What Sets Us Apart?
Choosing the right flood risk consultant in the UK can make the planning process more efficient and reduce unnecessary delays. Courous provides professional assessment services delivered by experienced, certified, and licenced consultants who understand UK planning requirements. As a local company, we offer reliable technical information and solutions that are adapted to your development.
- Planning-ready assessments for residential and commercial developments.
- Registered consultants with specialist technical expertise.
- Practical recommendations tailored to your project.
- Responsive support from assessment to planning approval.
- Reliable flood risk services across the UK.
FAQS
Detailed Answers to Common Queries
The costs are based on the location, size and complexity of the project. Corous provides a custom quote for your development project.
While not all developments need that, an FRA is often required by planning authorities for developments in flood zones, developments that have drainage issues and developments that could affect the flood risk in an area.
A standard report consists of the following aspects:
- An overview of the site
- Flood risk analysis
- Planning policy considerations
- Drainage assessments
- Climate change allowances
- Recommendations to minimise flood risk
The total required time will vary according to the size and complexity of the development. With site information available, most assessments can be done in a couple of weeks.