Flood risk assessment
[edit] Introduction
A flood risk assessment is required for most developments within one of the flood zones.
This includes developments that are:
- In flood zone 2 or 3 including minor development and change of use.
- More than 1 hectare (ha) in flood zone 1.
- Less than 1 ha in flood zone 1, including a change of use in development type to a more vulnerable class (for example from commercial to residential), where they could be affected by sources of flooding other than rivers and the sea (for example surface water drains, reservoirs).
- In an area within flood zone 1 which has critical drainage problems as notified by the Environment Agency.
It is not necessary to carry out a flood risk assessment for a development that is less than 1 ha in flood zone 1 unless it could be affected by sources of flooding other than rivers and the sea, for example surface water drains.
You can find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessment-for-planning-applications
[edit] Home Quality Mark
For the purposes of the Home Quality Mark, a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) or Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) is defined as:
|
A study to assess the risk of a site flooding, and to assess the impact that any changes or development on the site will have on flood risk to the site and elsewhere. A FRA should be prepared according to relevant planning policy and technical guidance documents. The FRA must account for future climate change and detail any necessary adaptation measures where or if required. Where more than five years have passed since the FRA was carried out, evidence would be required to demonstrate that the basis of the FRA has not changed in that time. |
Ref Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BREEAM Flood risk management.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Changing attitudes to property flood resilience in the UK
- Design flood event.
- Design flood level.
- Flood.
- Flood Risk Framework.
- Home Quality Mark.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Flood plain
- Flood risk
- Flood risk management plan
- Flood zone
- Flood defences
- Planning for floods.
- Property flood resilience
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.