Sequential test
A flood risk assessment is required for most proposed developments that are within a designated flood zone.
A sequential test may be required as part of a flood risk assessment. It compares the site for a proposed development with other available sites to determine which has the lowest flood risk.
A sequential test is required if:
- The development is in flood zone 2 or 3, AND
- A sequential test has not already been done for a development of the type proposed on the proposed site.
A sequential test is not required if:
- The development is a ‘minor development’ OR
- The development involves a change of use, unless it is a caravan, camping chalet, mobile home or park home site OR
- It is a development in flood zone 1, unless there are flooding issues in the area of the development.
The sequential test must conclude whether any of the alternative sites that have been identified have a lower risk of flooding than the proposed site. It should be submitted along with the flood risk assessment and the planning application to the local planning authority.
If the sequential test shows that it is not possible to use an alternative site, it may be necessary to undertake an exception test. This shows how flood risk will be managed on the proposed site and demonstrates that the sustainability benefits of the development to the community outweigh the flood risk.
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessment-the-sequential-test-for-applicants
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM Flood risk management.
- BREEAM Surface water run-off.
- Design flood event.
- Design flood level.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Flood defences
- Flood plain
- Flood risk
- Flood risk assessment.
- Flood risk management plan
- Flood zone
- Flood.
- Minor development.
- Planning for floods.
- Property flood resilience
- Sustainable urban drainage systems.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
























