Flood Risk Assessment in Cornwall
Our assessments ensure that new developments meet planning policies for flood risk
Flood risk assessment in Cornwall highlights its long Atlantic coastline and steep river valleys. Coastal storms, tidal surges, and flash floods in narrow valleys create major risks. Flood maps, river management, and coastal defences are vital for protecting communities.
According to DEFRA, 17601 properties in Cornwall (4,23%) are vulnerable to flooding from rivers and the sea, while 35182 properties (8,46%) are exposed to surface water flooding. These figures highlight the extent of flood risk in the area and emphasise the importance of long-term preparedness and planning.
Benefits of our Flood Risk Assessments in Cornwall
Flood risk assessments provide a detailed analysis of all potential flood sources, offering tailored mitigation strategies for your development in Cornwall. You’ll receive a clear, specific, and expert report which:
Meets the local and national planning policies
Costs effective in the mitigation o flood risk
Enables you to make informed changes to the design and achieve planning
Our Clients
Our Reports
Join the hundreds of architects, planners, and developers who trust our expert flood risk assessments to provide the clear technical data and engineering judgment needed to get their UK developments underway in Cornwall.
Flood Risk Appraisal
Any size development
Details site potential within the floodplain before making an investment decision or starting your master plan design
Flood Risk Assessment – Extensions and Change of Use
Developments less than 250 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Flood Risk Assessment – Single Dwelling
Developments less than 1,000 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Flood Risk Assessment – Minor Development
Developments less than 2500 square metres within flood zone 2 or 3
Cornwall's Relevant Floods Events
Storm Babet – Cornwall alerts
20-23 Oct 2023
Heavy rainfall caused surface water flooding across the borough, affecting transport.
Source:
Environment Agency, County Council
Storm Babet – Cornwall alerts
20-23 Oct 2023
Heavy rainfall caused surface water flooding across the borough, affecting transport.
Source:
Environment Agency, County Council
Storm Babet – Cornwall alerts
20-23 Oct 2023
Heavy rainfall caused surface water flooding across the borough, affecting transport.
Source:
Environment Agency, County Council
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FAQS
A flood risk assessment in Cornwall is required for sites in Flood Zone 2 or 3, especially near the River Camel, River Fowey, or low-lying coastal areas, or for developments over 1 hectare in Zone 1. Cornwall Council applies the NPPF and DEFRA guidance, making FRAs essential in flood-prone areas.
Flood zones can be checked on the Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning. GOV.UK’s Long Term Flood Risk Service also provides mapping for tidal, surface water, and groundwater flooding.
Reports in Cornwall assess risks from rivers, the coast, surface water, and groundwater. They use EA flood data, site-specific modelling, and historic flooding to propose mitigation such as coastal defences, SuDS, and resilient design.
Yes, but an FRA is mandatory in Flood Zones 2 and 3. Sequential and Exception Tests may also apply, especially for coastal sites.
Flood Risk Assessments should be prepared by qualified consultants or engineers with coastal expertise, following Cornwall Council and GOV.UK guidance.