Our Flood Risk Assessments in Buckinghamshire ensure that new developments meet planning policies and local standards
We support flood risk assessment projects across Buckinghamshire, covering a range of towns and locations with varying planning requirements and flood risk considerations.
Our work includes projects across:
Flood risk assessment costs in Buckinghamshire depend on the size, location and complexity of your site. Larger developments typically involve higher costs.
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.
Flood risk assessment in Buckinghamshire is shaped by a combination of river, surface water and groundwater influences across the county. Key flood risk areas are associated with the River Thames (Marlow, Bourne End) and the River Great Ouse (Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Olney), alongside smaller tributaries that affect surrounding towns and development sites.
Flooding risks vary greatly depending upon the local geography. Fluvial flooding tends to occur close to the channels of major rivers. Surface water flooding occurs frequently in areas where there are significant amounts of impervious surfaces within urban environments such as Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Groundwater flooding has been identified as an ongoing problem in some of the Chiltern’s hills (Amersham, Chesham).
Wherever it is necessary for you to provide flood risk information in order to support a Planning Application in Buckinghamshire, you will probably have to carry out a Flood Risk Assessment in order to demonstrate that your proposal is acceptable. Usually the requirement for a Flood Risk Assessment in Buckinghamshire is dependent upon whether the site is within one of the flood zones identified by Ordnance Survey, the extent of the site area and/or whether there is likely to be an increased vulnerability as a result of the proposed development.
Common scenarios include:
Don’t let flood risk slow your project down. Get a clear, planning-ready Flood Risk Assessment
Flood risk assessment consultants in Buckinghamshire are experts in providing specialist advice on the flood risk aspects of planning applications, site feasibility projects and development schemes throughout the county.
Planning-Ready Flood Risk Assessments
Our team of enginners prepare detailed Flood Risk Assessment Reports that clearly identify and manage flood risk within a proposed development project or site based upon the requirements of local planners.
Full Flood Risk Analysis & Mitigation
We assess all types of flooding (i.e. river, surface water and groundwater) associated with the potential flood risk at each site. Where appropriate recommendations will be prepared to provide practicable measures to mitigate flood risk.
Buckinghamshire-Specific Expertise & Delivery
As experienced flood risk assessors working across sites in Aylesbury, Buckingham and Winslow, we have an understanding of the specific flood risks present in the Buckinghamshire area as well as local restrictions and expectations from planning authorities.
Flood risk assessments provide a detailed analysis of all potential flood sources, offering tailored mitigation strategies for your development in Buckinghamshire. You’ll receive clear, specific and expert report which:
Meets the local and national planning policies
Costs effective in the mitigation of flood risk
Enables you to make informed changes to the design and achieve planning
Safeguard your development from flooding throughout its lifetime
For projects in Buckinghamshire, our Flood Risk Assessments are written for planning applications and structured around what planners need to decide. Instead of generic wording, the report is built around the proposal, drawings and information available at submission.
Typical clients:
Across Buckinghamshire, flood risk is an important consideration in the planning process, particularly in areas near the River Thames (Marlow, Bourne End) and the River Great Ouse (Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Olney), as well as smaller watercourses and local drainage networks.
Flood risk in the county varies by location. While fluvial flooding can affect sites close to rivers, surface water flooding is a key issue in urban areas, and groundwater flooding can occur in parts of the Chilterns due to underlying chalk geology.
Get expert insight into flood risk and planning requirements for your site
Your Flood Risk may be checked via the Environment Agency's flood map, this will determine if your property is situated within Flood Zone 1, 2 or 3. If you want a clearer picture (surface water etc.), it is suggested that you have a Flood Risk Assessment in Buckinghamshire carried out by an appropriate professional.
In order to get a Flood Risk Assessment in Buckinghamshire, it would be best to contact a consultant who has expertise in the field of flood risk assessments, such as RIDA Reports. The consultant will require your site address along with information regarding your proposed development in order to prepare a report that meets the requirements of your local council/planning authority.
When preparing Flood Risk Assessments for planning purposes, councils tend to look for reports from professionals with experience. Although there are publically accessible basic flood maps available to assist, most applicants employ consultants due to the expectation of a clear, logical report demonstrating compliance with planning policy.
A typical Flood Risk Assessment in Buckinghamshire will include identification of flood zones, analysis of Environment Agency records, identification of site specific risks and recommendations on how to reduce flood risk and achieve planning approval.
The Buckinghamshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is a key document used by local planning authorities to understand flood risk across the county. It provides detailed information on flood zones, surface water risk and local conditions, helping guide planning decisions. A Flood Risk Assessment should reference the SFRA where relevant to ensure it aligns with local policy and site-specific requirements.