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
New UK National Buildings Database.
Green space, clean air and community lead the wish list for new homes...
CIAT invites the public to explore identity, belonging and architecture at London Festival of Architecture 2026.
Circular construction policies key to reversing nature loss in cities, says new IUCN report.
Met investigation into Grenfell Tower fire on track to submit all charging files to Crown Prosecution Service.
Living Wage Foundation clarifies paying apprentices the real Living Wage is not required for accreditation.
Call for evidence: Strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupations.
UK Academy of Mould Experts, May
Free Mould Awareness self-paced beginner course.
IHBC’s Council: On ‘Don’t Waste Buildings’ – A blog feature following a Council chat post by Celia Clark.
The EPF urges publication of the Circular Economy Growth Plan.
ECA welcomes refreshed zero carbon targets.
Government consultation to look a new core product safety framework.
Construct Zero: Refreshed Programme and updated priorities.
New research highlights growing confidence gap in UK fire safety decision making.
Building control approval applications received, determination times, decision outcomes and performance.
Built Environment Wales – Regulatory Reform Conference.
ECA makes the airwaves on retentions ban proposal.
When will the Renters' Right Act come into force?























