FAQ's for Flood Risk
Why do we need flood risk assessment?
Around 10% of the total land in Britain lies within areas of flood risk. There are compelling social and economic reasons for development to continue in these areas, but the flood risk must be managed the so that new development is safe and sustainable.
Who is responsible for ensuring flood risk is identified in the planning process?
Regional and local planning authorities are responsible for assessing flood risk, as they prepare regional and local development plans, and local planning authorities are responsible for ensuring developers assess flood risk for their development proposals.
Who is responsible for existing flood defences?
Defra has overall policy responsibility for flood and coastal erosion risk in England while Welsh Assembly Government has responsibility for Wales. The Environment Agency has statutory responsibility for flood management and defence. The Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and local authorities are responsible for maintaining, operating and improving flood defences.
How will climate change affect flood risk?
According to the Office of Science and Technology (OST) the risk from flooding is likely to increase in future due to climate change. The OST agrees with The Department Of Communities and Local Government that sensible planning and appropriate flood defences should enable the risks to be managed while allowing necessary development to continue. At present a 20% CCA is being applied to increase flood predictions, in line with E.A. advice.
How is flood risk taken into account in planning decisions?
Local planning authorities must have regard to the current planning policy, PPG25 (England) and TAN 15 (Wales), when developing new communities and regenerating existing ones. Flood risk is considered at all stages of the planning and development process from regional plans, to local plans and individual site development. In flood-risk areas, Local planning authorities should consult the Environment Agency about development proposals, and each one should be accompanied by a flood risk assessment.
What is a Breach Assessment?
In an area with flood defences the EA may require a breach assessment. We will agree the breach scenario and model the resulting flooded area and depth. The breach scenario will include the size of the breach and the length of time it is open.
What is PPG 25?
PPG25 is the planning guidance for development and flood risk in England which has been superseded by PPS25. PPG25 was current from July 2001 to December 2006. The current planning policy for development and flood risk is PPS25 which was introduced in January 2007.
PPS 25 - What is the Exception Test?
The Exception Test is that:
- the development makes a positive contribution to sustainable communities, and to sustainable development objectives of the relevant LDD;
- the development is on developable brownfield land or where there are no reasonable alternative options on developable brownfield land;
- a flood risk assessment demonstrates that the residual risks of flooding to people and property (including the likely effects of climate change) are acceptable and can be satisfactorily managed; and
- the development makes a positive contribution to reducing or managing flood risk
How quickly can we carry out an FRA?
Waterco aims to prepare an FRA within 4 weeks, but we are reliant to some extent on the provision of data by the Environment Agency. However, we will always try and help someone who has a particularly urgent problem.
What if I disagree with the flood map?
We can challenge the flood maps. This involves fairly extensive modelling so it will be more expensive than a Flood Risk Assessment. We would recommend a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment first so we can give you a clear view on what will be required, its likelihood of success and how much it will cost.
What area does Waterco cover?
As you may guess from our location most of our work is in North Wales, the North West and Midlands of England. But we are prepared to work outside that area, especially if you have a local architect or surveyor involved who can provide us with the necessary local information.
What about PI insurance?
Waterco has maintained Professional Indemnity Insurance for the past 16 years and has never had a claim.