Flood Risk Assessment

Scotland

Flood Risk Assessment - Scotland

In Scotland the requirements for a Flood Risk Assessment are set out in the Scottish Planning Policy [sections 196 to 211 inclusive] (February 2010) which sets out the Scottish Government’s national policies on different aspects of land use planning in Scotland.

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 sets in place a statutory framework for delivering a sustainable and risk-based approach to managing flooding it places a duty on Scottish Ministers, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, local authorities, Scottish Water and other responsible authorities to exercise their functions with a view to managing and reducing flood risk and to promote sustainable flood risk management. The main elements of flood risk management relevant to the planning system are assessing flood risks and undertaking structural and non-structural flood management measures.

Sanderson Associates has all the expertise and experience needed to challenge and in some cases correct SEPA’s flood maps should there be any doubt as to the flood zone allocation for a particular site. Flood zone correction often requires detailed flood modelling. We would usually recommend that a Desktop Flood Risk Assessment is first carried out in order for us to assess what type of modelling will be required and how much it will cost. Further information can be found on our flood modelling page. Sanderson Associates regularly construct flood models to estimate anticipated flood levels directly using software such as HEC-RAS.

Section 42 of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 confirms that planning authorities will require applicants to provide an assessment of flood risk where a development is likely to result in a material increase in the number of buildings at risk of being damaged by flooding.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency provide indicative flood zone maps online which can be viewed by clicking here, enter the site location or postcode and the map will display a broad indication of what the sites risk of flooding are, and from what source. This will give an indication on the likelihood of a Flood Risk Assessment being required to accompany a Planning Application for development.

If a Flood Risk Assessment is required this assessment will require to be submitted at the same time as all the other planning documentation for a development.

Flood risk from other sources such as rising groundwater, surface water and drainage systems should also be considered.

The Scottish Planning Policy (February 2010) sets out a risk framework which refers to the land at the time the planning application is made or a development plan is prepared.

Little or No Risk

Annual probability of watercourse, tidal or coastal flooding is less than 0.1% (1 in 1000 years)

No constraints due to watercourse, tidal or coastal flooding.

Low to Medium Risk Area

Annual probability of watercourse, tidal or coastal flooding in the range 0.1% - 0.5% (1 in 1000 years to 1 in 200 years)

A flood risk assessment may be required at the upper end of the probability range (i.e. close to 0.5%) or where the nature of the development or local circumstances indicate heightened risk.

Water resistant materials and construction may be required depending on the flood risk assessment.

Medium to High Risk

Annual probability of watercourse, tidal or coastal flooding greater than 0.5% (1 in 200 years).

If development is permitted, appropriate measures to manage flood risk will be required and the loss of flood storage capacity mitigated to produce a neutral or better outcome.

Within built up areas, such as towns, villages, employment areas and industrial areas, medium to high risk areas may be suitable for residential, institutional, commercial and industrial development provided flood prevention measures to the appropriate standard already exist, are under construction or are planned as part of a long term development strategy. Water resistant materials and construction should be used where appropriate.

We have extensive experience of completing Flood Risk Assessments which are fully compliant with Scottish Planning Policy (SPP February 2010), we offer three levels of Flood Risk Assessment in line with SPP, call us on 01924 844080 or complete our secure on line form to obtain our competitive quotation.

Flood Risk Assessment Level 1 – Screening Study

This report will provide a general indication of the potential flood risk to the site and identify whether there are any flooding or surface water management issues that may warrant further consideration or may affect the feasibility of a development. The purpose of a Level 1 Screening Study is to ascertain all sources of flood risk and whether any further work in the form of a Level 2 Flood Risk Assessment Scoping Study) or Level 3 Flood Risk Assessment (Detailed Study) is required. It may also confirm that the site is at low risk of flooding from all sources to which no further assessment is required to be undertaken.

Flood Risk Assessment Level 2 – Scoping Study:

This report will provide qualitative appraisal of flood risk posed to site and potential impacts development will have on flood risk elsewhere. Production of Flood Risk Assessment Scoping Study Report including possible measures to reduce flood risk for submission to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for comment/approval, all in accordance with the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

Flood Risk Assessment Level 3 – Detailed Study:

A level 3 Flood Risk Assessment would be undertaken if the Scottish Environment Protection Agency required further quantitative analysis to assess flood risk issues relating to the proposed development site e.g. Catchment Analysis, Hydraulic calculations or Flood Modelling may be required (if flood levels are not already available).

Production of a detailed Flood Risk Assessment may include catchment analysis, hydraulic calculations and modelling to quantify the potential flood risk to the site along with off-site flood risk impacts such as displacement of flood waters due to development and determine appropriate flood risk mitigation measures.

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 Assessment, Scotland, Scottish Planning Policy
SPP, Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Desktop Flood Risk Assessment
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