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Ensure your planning application addresses flood risk in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Environment Agency guidance.

Our Desktop Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) service provides a fast, proportionate, and compliant review of flood risk for small-scale developments. Using publicly available Environment Agency flood maps, historic flood warnings, and local authority planning records, we produce a clear report tailored to your site, helping you meet planning requirements.

What is a Desktop FRA?

• A desktop FRA is a non-technical, proportionate flood risk assessment for minor developments.

• Suitable for works in Flood Zones 1, 2, and 3, particularly small-scale additions or alterations.

• Does not involve new hydraulic modelling; relies on public flood maps, historic warnings, and professional interpretation.

• Compliant with:

  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – Section 14: Flood Risk and Coastal Change

  • Environment Agency Standing Advice for Flood Risk

Coverage Across England

We provide FRA reports nationwide, covering all high- and medium-risk areas including:

• Coastal regions – South Devon, Essex, Humber Estuary, Norfolk Broads

• River valleys – Thames Valley, Somerset Levels, Yorkshire Ouse and Don Valleys

• Urban flood risk areas – London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham

Methodology

Our desktop FRA follows a structured, professional workflow:

1. Flood Zone Analysis: Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning

2. Historic Flood Records: EA flood warnings and historic events dataset

3. Local Authority Context: Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs) and planning guidance

4. Site Assessment: Desktop evaluation of topography, drainage, and flood defences

5. Proportionate Recommendations – Mitigation, monitoring, and residual risk guidance

All findings are compiled into a ready-to-submit FRA report with maps, appendices, and clear conclusions.

Benefits of Our Desktop FRA Service

• Quick and cost-effective – ideal for small-scale projects

• Planning-ready: tailored for submission to LPAs across England

• Proportionate: only what’s needed for minor works

• Professional guidance: includes mitigation and residual risk advice

• Peace of mind: clients can demonstrate awareness of flood risk and EA guidance

Report Scope & Delivery

• Delivered electronically within 5–7 working days

• Includes:

  • Flood maps (site and local area)

  • Historic flood warnings

  • Site-specific mitigation advice

  • Summary and conclusions compliant with EA guidance

Flood-Prone Areas

• Dawlish, Starcross, Exmouth, Teignmouth, Sidmouth (EX postcode areas)

• Somerset Levels – Glastonbury, Street, Bridgwater (BA postcode areas)

• Medway Towns – Chatham, Rochester (ME postcode areas)

• Thames Estuary – Gravesend, Tilbury, Rainham (DA/RM postcode areas)

• Norfolk Broads – Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft (NR/NR30 postcode areas)

• Essex – Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea (SS postcode areas)

• River Trent floodplains – Newark, Nottingham, Gainsborough (NG/DN postcode areas)

• Yorkshire Ouse and Don: York, Selby, Goole (YO/DN postcode areas)

• Cumbria: Carlisle, Keswick, Workington (CA postcode areas)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is a desktop FRA enough for all sites?

• A: Desktop FRAs are suitable for minor developments. Larger or complex sites may require a full technical FRA with hydraulic modelling.

• Q: Can I submit this FRA with my planning application?

• A: Yes: our FRA is formatted to meet the requirements of the LPA and Environment Agency for minor works.

• Q: Does this include flood defences or climate change analysis?

• A: Yes, we reference existing defences and consider climate change impacts proportionately, in line with Environment Agency guidance.