Desktop Flood Risk Assessments

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.