21 Bloomsbury Street
The Brief
RIDA Reports Ltd was appointed to undertake a detailed flood risk assessment for a proposed development located at 21 Bloomsbury Street, London (WC1B 3HF). Because the proposed development area is greater than 1 hectare in size, a site-specific assessment was required to navigate the planning process. Additionally, the assessment was specifically commissioned to accompany and support a BREEAM application for the site.
Why the Client Chose RIDA
Large-scale developments requiring environmental certifications demand a specialist understanding of both national planning policies and independent sustainability frameworks. The client required a consultancy capable of delivering a robust assessment to evaluate site-specific hazards and satisfy the London Borough of Camden’s flood risk management strategy. RIDA was selected for its proven expertise in aligning complex flood risk evaluations with strict BREEAM assessment criteria.
The Challenge
The site is situated in Flood Zone 1, representing a low probability of fluvial flooding, and benefits from a very low risk of surface water flooding. However, British Geological Survey records indicated that the site is underlain by the London Clay Formation and the Lynch Hill Gravel Member, presenting a specific potential risk of groundwater flooding below ground level. Furthermore, the development needed to strictly address BREEAM guidance (Flood risk – KBCN0532) to demonstrate that the worst-case flooding scenarios were considered and that safe access would be maintained.
The RIDA Difference
RIDA conducted a detailed flood risk assessment, evaluating the site against Environment Agency data, British Geological Survey records, and the 2014 London Borough of Camden Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. To directly address the BREEAM constraints, the team assessed the site’s layout against the KBCN0532 criteria to ensure the building would be adequately managed and accessible in the event of flooding. RIDA also systematically evaluated the local geological conditions to appropriately qualify and manage the identified below-ground groundwater vulnerabilities.
The Outcome
The detailed assessment successfully demonstrated that the >1 hectare development could be safely accommodated on the site. By thoroughly addressing the BREEAM criteria and confirming the very low fluvial and surface water risks, RIDA ensured the development would sustainably manage environmental constraints without increasing flood risk elsewhere. The comprehensive report provided the robust, policy-compliant technical justification required to support both the local planning application and the project’s BREEAM certification.
