Do I need a flood risk assessment?

Depending on your location and the nature of the development a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) may be necessary.

An FRA is needed when your site falls within an area considered to have potential for flooding, such as Flood Zones 2 or 3. It is always required in the highest risk area, known as Flood Zone 3b. Also, If your site is one hectare or greater in size – even in flood zone 1 – you will need a FRA, or if your site experiences problems associated with surface-water flooding or drainage.

It may be required even for small-scale projects or changes of use to development, particularly those that potentially represent an increased flood risk to others.

The primary objective of an FRA is to demonstrate that the proposed development will be free from flood risks throughout its operational lifespan and does not increase flooding for adjacent property owners or surrounding landowners.