Flood Risk Assessments

What is a Flood Risk Assessment?

A Flood Risk Assessment is a detailed analysis of the potential flood hazards affecting a particular site. It identifies the sources, extent, and impact of flooding, whether from rivers (fluvial), surface water, groundwater, or drainage systems, and outlines strategies to minimise risk to people, property, and infrastructure.

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Flood Risk Assessments are often required as part of planning applications under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). An FRA is mandatory for:

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• All major developments

• Sites located in Flood Zones 2 or 3

• Sites of 1 hectare or more in Flood Zone 1

• Developments near critical drainage areas or at risk from surface water flooding

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How Do I Know If I Need a Flood Risk Assessment?

You may need a flood risk assessment if:

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• Your site falls within or near an Environment Agency Flood Zone

• There is a history of surface water flooding or poor drainage

• You're developing brownfield land or increasing impermeable surfaces

• Your planning authority specifically requests one

• You're submitting plans for basements, extensions, or change of use in flood-prone areas

 

If you’re unsure, we can carry out an initial screening to check flood risk indicators and confirm whether a full FRA is required.

 

Types of Flood Risk Assessments We Offer

 

At Elite Ecology, we offer a tiered approach to flood risk reporting, tailored to your project's needs and its planning stage:

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Level 1 – Flood Risk Screening Report

A desktop-based review identifying key flood risks and determining whether a full FRA is needed.

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Level 2 – Basic Flood Risk Assessment

A concise report suitable for low-risk sites or simple developments, offering a summary of flood risk sources and basic mitigation advice.

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Level 3 – Detailed Flood Risk Assessment

A full, site-specific FRA including hydraulic data, topographic analysis, drainage assessments, and mitigation recommendations to satisfy local planning authority and Environment Agency requirements.

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Each report is clearly structured, evidence-based, and formatted to support planning submissions with minimal delays.

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Our Approach to Flood Risk Mitigation

Flooding can have serious implications for planning consent, insurance, and long-term asset value. That’s why our reports don’t just identify risks—they also offer practical, site-specific mitigation strategies, such as:

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• Designing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

• Raising floor levels or repositioning structures

• Designing flood-resistant and resilient buildings

• Incorporating attenuation features like swales, ponds, or storage tanks

• Managing surface water runoff to avoid increasing downstream flood risk

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We work collaboratively with your architect or planning consultant to align our recommendations with your site design and planning goals.

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Why Choose Elite Ecology for Your Flood Risk Assessment?

 

• Qualified environmental consultants with planning expertise

• Nationwide service covering Staffordshire and all UK regions

• Clear, timely reporting to avoid delays in planning

• Competitive pricing starting from £350

• Integrated support for ecological and environmental planning

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With extensive experience supporting residential, commercial, and industrial developments, we’re the ideal partner for clear, reliable flood risk guidance.

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Get a Flood Risk Assessment Quote

If you need a flood risk assessment for your site, don’t wait for planning delays. Contact Elite Ecology today to discuss your project and receive a no-obligation quote.

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Call us on 01782 308418
Email admin@eliteecology.co.uk