Flood Risk Assessment and the Planning Process

Flood Risk Assessment

Flooding is a natural process which cannot be prevented entirely, but it can be managed to reduce its social and economic consequences and to safeguard the continued functioning of services and infrastructure. Some locations are already susceptible to intermittent flooding and climate change is expected to worsen the situation. Inadequate drainage infrastructure also increases the risk of flooding.

Planning Authorities must take the probability of flooding from all sources – (coastal, fluvial [water course], pluvial [surface water], groundwater, sewers and blocked culverts) and the risks involved into account when preparing development plans and determining planning applications. This does not mean that developments or redevelopments in these affected areas will not be approved, the planning process is there to ensure flooding is materially taken into account in development proposals.

As part of the planning process a Flood Risk Assessment, or a Flood Consequence Assessment in Wales, ensures that developers are aware of the requirements of the Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales in Wales or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland and specify mitigation measures to ensure that a development is sustainable and safe in terms of flood risk or flood consequence.

From property extensions, works to large employment, residential and office developments, Sanderson Associates have vast experience in providing bespoke, site specific Flood Risk Assessments and Flood Consequence Assessments [Wales] for new developments and also existing facilities.

The Planning Process

At every stage of the planning process, we provide our Clients with valuable advice and guidance on flood resilient design so as to reduce the impact of flooding. We have an excellent working relationship with the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and work collaboratively to facilitate the development of sound and sustainable buildings in compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework; TAN 15 (Wales) and SPP (Scotland) Scottish Planning Policy all of which currently regulate new development in areas of flood risk.

Whether it is an extension, new dwelling or major residential, retail or employment development, we can provide the necessary assessment to go with your planning application. Our wide client base includes Hospital Trusts, Fire Authorities, Councils, major Supermarket chains, Architects and housing developers through to smaller private developers and domestic Clients.

Business Continuity

We also provide site specific flood risk assessments for existing business and domestic premises where current facilities face the risk of flooding from any source and can provide a comprehensive report on risk to property.

Our assessments include a full breakdown of mitigation measures to reduce flood risk and we provide assistance to Clients in designing and sourcing the most cost effective ways of protecting their development, business or home. We continually work to facilitate and expedite the planning process as much as possible for all our Clients.

What Our Clients Say:

Swept Path Analysis and Visibility Drawing incorporated into a Technical Note, Proposed Residential Dwelling, Colchester.

Planning permission approved finally, I am certain it was your input when you asked for the refusal to be put into writing so it can go to appeal… well done & thank you again. Nicholas Perks, Wyvern Building

Highway Statement, Proposed Residential Development, Stockport

Just want to pass on my thanks and appreciation. Your knowledge and speed at looking at the issues were incurred was superb. Hopefully we’ll have the pleasure of working together in the future. Craig Ashton, Managing Director, CPA Bespoke Joinery Ltd.

Transport Assessment, Proposed Residential Development (170 dwellings), Essex

This report is of the highest quality and detail and draws the conclusions we had hoped to see. Thanks to you and the team for this, we will certainly be using Sanderson Associates on future projects. Tom Helliwell, Managing Director, Class Q Ltd

Speed Survey, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Thank you so much for your fast and efficient service, the speed survey was conducted efficiently and the report given has really helped our planning application process with highways moving forward. Communication from yourselves was also fantastic and swift. Would most definitely recommend you to everyone. Much appreciated! Ismail Chopdat (Private Individual)

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Require a Flood Risk Assessment?

Sanderson Associates have enjoyed over 37 years in business, our Flood Risk Team have extensive experience completing Flood Risk Assessments in support of our clients major and minor developments throughout the whole of the UK.

We would be pleased to provide you with our competitive fee proposal for a Flood Risk or Flood Consequence Assessment, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.

Flood Risk, Planning Process, Flood Risk Assessment

Flood Consequence Assessment, The Planning Process