Our assessments ensure that new developments meet planning policies for flood risk
We support projects across the Chichester area, where coastal influences and local planning policies play a key role in shaping development. With a strong understanding of flood risk and planning requirements, we deliver clear, practical advice that helps move projects forward with confidence.
Our project experience in Chichester include Bosham, Apuldram and surrounding areas.
The cost of flood risk assessments for a site in Chichester will be determined by how big your site is, what flood zone it falls into, as well as how complex your development proposal is. The smaller and lower risk your site is to flooding, the less likely you are to require an advanced or detailed model of flood from our engineers
Any size development
Details site potential within the floodplain before making an investment decision or starting your master plan design
Developments less than 250 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Developments less than 1,000 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Developments less than 2500 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Learn more about flood risk assessment cost and what factors influence pricing across different development types.
Our experience has enabled us to deliver flood risk assessment reports in Bosham and Apuldram
Flood risk assessment in Chichester reflect both its location on the coast and the estuary of West Sussex which is surrounded by Chichester harbour, tidal inlets, rivers which go far into the countryside. It can be expected that communities will be at risk of flooding from tidal surges, fluvial pathways or high intensity storms which overwhelm the existing drainage system.
With such a mix of rural landscape, coastal towns and villages and historic urban centre there are many different types of flood environment in Chichester with some being produced naturally, and others created as a result of how the land is used. This creates an area where there is much to consider when determining whether it is appropriate to develop new locations.
Before carrying out a flood risk assessment, it is recommended that you view the Environment Agency flood map to check the likely flood risk for the proposed development site.
Chichester has coastal and low-lying areas, so flood risk comes up more often than people expect.
Common scenarios include:
If your site is in a mapped flood zone you’ll likely need an FRA to support your planning application
Flood risk assessment consultants in Chichester provide specialist support for planning applications. At RIDA Reports, we offer a 48-hour turnaround.
Planning-Ready Flood Risk Assessments
We produce clear, planning-ready Flood Risk Assessments that show how flood risk has been identified and managed, helping your application move forward without delays.
Full Flood Risk Analysis & Mitigation
We assess all sources of flood risk, apply current guidance, and outline practical measures to make your development safe and policy-compliant.
Chichester-Specific Expertise & Delivery
We understand local planning expectations and site constraints, ensuring your report is accepted by the council first time.
A flood risk assessment looks at all relevant flood risks for your site and sets out practical steps to manage them. For developments in Chichester, you’ll receive a straightforward report that:
Supports a smoother planning approval process
Reduces the risk of costly design changes later
Gives clear direction for site layout and drainage
Protects your development from flood risk long term
Planning in Chichester can quickly stall if flood risk is not addressed clearly from the start. We produce reports that are easy to review, aligned with local expectations, and ready to submit without back and forth.
Our focus is simple. Get your application through with the right level of detail. No overcomplication. No gaps that trigger delays.
We work closely with your plans and drawings so the Flood Risk Assessment supports the scheme, not repeats it.
Typical clients:
In Chichester, flood risk is a key part of planning decisions and is closely tied to the Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) and national policy. The SFRA underpins how sites are assessed, how the Sequential Test is applied, and how development is directed to areas of lower risk.
What planning officers expect to see:
Working on a site in Chichester? Secure your Flood Risk Assessment with us
The price depends on the site and how complex it is. Smaller projects like extensions are usually at the lower end, while larger or higher-risk sites cost more because they need more detailed work.
Generally, most assessments will be required if the local authority advises them, as a result of either potential flooding impact or if the proposed use of the land will have changed with regard to existing uses and where a site has been identified as being located in Flood Zone 2 or 3.
Typically, a standard Flood Risk Assessment report can be expected to take between 1 to 2 weeks to complete. Where time is critical, faster options can be made available.
The main risks come from rivers such as the River Lavant, coastal flooding in areas like Selsey and the Witterings, and surface water flooding in low-lying areas. You can check your property flood risk on GOV.CO.
It depends on the location of the house extension within the flood zone. If your property is in a higher-risk area or the work affects drainage, the council may ask for one. It is quite common for extensions in flood risk areas.