What type of Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) do I need?
The type of FRA you may need depends upon the risk of flooding at your site and the stage your development is at. If you have no firm development plans, but are looking into the feasibility of developing a site, a Level 1 FRA Screening Study is recommended (further details are given below). If you already have development proposals and are looking to submit a planning application, in most cases it is recommended that you go straight to a Level 2 FRA Scoping Study or a Level 3 FRA Detailed Study. We can advise you which would be most appropriate for your development.
Email us your enquiries and include all or some of the following ff available:
Location plan and site address (preferably with postcode or national grid reference)
Topographical survey of the existing site (surveyed to ordnance datum)
All proposal drawings for the site
Any existing drainage details or plans
Any ground investigation report for the site (in order for us to assess the feasibility of soakaway drainage)
Copies of any correspondence with the Environment Agency, Local Planning Authority, Sewerage Undertaker or any other relevant Statutory Body
Any planning permission/objection details relating to flood risk and drainage at the site (e.g. decision notice)
Any previous flood risk and/or drainage studies that have been undertaken for the site by others
The different level FRA report:
FRA Level 1- Screening Study
Purpose
This will provide a general indication of the potential flood risk to the site and identify whether there are any flooding or surface water management issues that may warrant further investigation. The purpose of a Level 1 Screening Study is to identify all sources of flood risk and whether any further work in the form of a Level 2 FRA (Scoping Study) or Level 3 FRA (Detailed Study) is required.
Typically included items
Assessment of readily available existing flood risk information (supplied by Argyll Environmental Ltd)
Initial comments on the feasibility of developing the site with reference to existing flood risk information
Comment upon the feasibility of developing the site with respect to PPS25 including advice on the requirements of the Sequential and Exceptions Tests
Review of existing drainage information
Recommendations for further work/investigations
FRA Level 2 – Scoping Study
Purpose
Qualitative appraisal to develop understanding of the risk of flooding to the site and the potential impacts the development will have on flood risk elsewhere. Production of a FRA report in accordance with PPS25.
Typically included items in addition to Level 1 items
Contacting the Environment Agency, Local Planning Authority and Sewerage Undertaker to obtain advice on flood risk and drainage issues at the site (including obtaining predicted flood levels and copy of the statutory sewer map if available)
Comparison of site levels with predicted flood levels
Assessment of the impact of water level increase due to climate change
Recommend finished floor levels
Assess access and escape routes in times of flood
Give preliminary advice on flood warning and evacuation procedures
If required, recommend appropriate mitigation measures e.g. flood resilient construction techniques
Preliminary assessment of the existing and proposed surface water drainage arrangements
FRA Level 3 – Detailed Study
Purpose
Undertaken if the Environment Agency require further quantitative analysis to assess flood risk issues relating to the development site. For example; Flood Modelling may be required to establish flood levels at a site where the Environment Agency do not hold this data.
Typically included items in addition to Levels 1 and 2 items
Detailed assessment of flood risk to the site from all sources (including the assessment of the potential impacts of climate change)
Hydraulic calculations and modelling to quantify the flood risk to the site and any offsite flood risk impacts
Detailed assessment of existing and proposed surface water drainage arrangements (including the feasibility of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and surface water attenuation facilities if required)