Flood Risk Assessment

Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment

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Our Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments aim to thoroughly assess a site and determine the context, setting, and suitability of proposed development by conducting desk studies and collecting information from the Environment Agency, local and national authorities, and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments. This information is also used to apply the Sequential Test and Exception Test, which is a standard requirement for most flood risk assessments for planning permission.

We analyze data from sources including the Environment Agency, local and national authorities, Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, Detailed Terrain Model (DTM) LiDAR topographical surveys, and Ordnance Survey to determine the potential extent and depth of flooding and to conduct a qualitative assessment of the risk to a site and suitable flood mitigation measures. If the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment shows that the flood risk is acceptable or can be easily mitigated, this may be the only stage needed. However, if there is a higher risk of flooding, further assessment may be required.

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Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisal

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An appraisal of sustainable drainage options, known as a SuDS Options Appraisal, is carried out to identify and evaluate feasible ways to sustainably control the risk of surface water. These appraisals are frequently used in the planning process for proposed development or to improve existing conditions at a location. By combining construction knowledge and quantitative surface water modeling, including supporting calculations, we can determine suitable sustainable drainage measures to reduce the risk of surface water on and off-site, considering estimated costs, feasibility, and regulatory implications.

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Detailed Flood Risk Assessment

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While desk studies are important for collecting and analyzing site-specific flood risk data and supporting a planning application or due diligence, additional, more detailed analysis may be necessary to further evaluate the flood risk, minimum required floor levels, and flood evacuation plans. To provide this analysis, we also conduct Detailed Flood Risk Assessments, which involve creating models of water flow and drainage at a site, identifying the ground conditions, and gaining a better understanding of the likelihood of potential floods. With this information, we can produce a comprehensive flood risk survey that provides additional information to inform project development and flood mitigation.

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Flood Mitigation Options Appraisal

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After evaluating the nature and extent of flood risk at a site through a preliminary or detailed flood risk assessment, it may be necessary to identify appropriate mitigation measures and create a strategy for implementing suitable flood mitigation options. By using advanced quantitative flood modeling, we can determine the most suitable flood mitigation options for the site, considering estimated costs, feasibility, and regulatory implications.