Site-specific NPPF Flood Risk Assessments and SUDS Drainage Designs
With over 15 years industry experience we can help you achieve planning application success.
Our NPPF Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Designs are site-specific and comply with requirements set by the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority and Planning Authorities.
Why choose Flood Risk & Drainage Solutions?
Unlike other companies that claim bogus 99% pass rates, unrealistic turnarounds and various levels of assessment, such as Levels 1, 2, 3 etc. We only quote on a site-specific basis, providing a simple breakdown of what is necessary to gain planning approval, with no hidden charges.
Managing Director Chris Vose
Gained a BSc in Sustainable Construction Methods from Lancaster University and has been working within the industry for 15+ years.
During his time as a Principle Flood Risk and Drainage Consultant he has achieved planning success on many projects, ranging from single residential property through to multimillion pound hotel and retail complexes nationwide. Chris has also supported Local Planning Authorities reviewing detailed drainage strategies in place of the LLFA for major planning applications.
Connect with Chris on Linkedin 
Do you need a Flood Risk Assessment?
You will need a Flood Risk Assessment if your development falls into any of the following three categories:
Flood Zone 1
- Larger than 1 Hectare in size.
- Change of use in the development type to a more vulnerable classification.
- Located within a Critical Drainage Area.
- Basement within an area susceptible to flooding from non-fluvial sources.
Flood Zone 2
- Located within an area considered as having between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 annual probability of river flooding;
- Or land having between a 1 in 200 and 1 in 1,000 annual probability of sea flooding (Land shown in light blue on the Flood Map).
Flood Zone 3
- Located within an area considered as having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding;
- Or Land having a 1 in 200 or greater annual probability of sea flooding (Land shown in dark blue on the Flood Map).
What can you expect from our Flood Risk Assessments?
Our site-specific FRAs can include the following:
- Consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority and Environment Agency (If applicable)
- Undertake a site visit – walkover and photographic survey (If applicable)
- Research history of flooding both at and within the area surrounding the proposed development using flood data
- Fluvial Flood Risk- i.e. major watercourses, minor ordinary watercourses
- Detailed assessment of Overtopping, Breach, Flood Storage Compensation etc (If applicable)
- Recommendations for Mitigation Measures & Consents
- Non-fluvial Sources of Flood Risk
As part of our FRA we also include a Drainage Impact Assessment at no extra cost which includes the following:
- Undertake preliminary calculation to determine a requirement for on-site attenuation
- Review site investigation reports and Percolation Test results
- Estimate existing surface water run off/discharge rates
- Building Regulations Hierarchy
- Undertake detailed evaluation of SUDS appropriate for inclusion within the drainage strategy
- Provide necessary drawings as required for outline/full planning applications
- Hydraulic modelling proposed drainage system (if applicable)
- Hydraulic modelling proposed drainage system (if applicable)
SUDS Drainage Design - Refused planning permission?
Have you had planning refused because you require a SUDS Surface Water Drainage Design similar to the ones below?
Prior to first occupation of the development hereby approved, a surface water system that demonstrates that the SuDS hierarchy has been followed shall be submitted to and approved in writing by this Local Authority.
The submission of reserved matters shall be accompanied by a sustainable drainage scheme for foul and surface water drainage. No dwelling hereby permitted shall be occupied until a sustainable drainage scheme for foul and surface water drainage from the site has been completed in accordance with the approved details. The sustainable drainage scheme shall be retained, managed and maintained for the lifetime of the development in accordance with a management and maintenance plan submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
You will require a SUDS Drainage Design if your development falls into any of the following categories:
- 10+ Dwellings
- 0.5 Hectare+ Residential Development
- 1 Hectare+ General Industrial
- 1 Hectare+ Office/Light industrial
- 1 Hectare+ Retail
- Site Area 1 Hectare+
Key benefits of getting a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment
- Reduce costs associated with planning delays and design changes
- FRDS provides a pro-active approach to flood risk and drainage, assisting the design team through every stage of the process
- We have the ability to undertake complex technical analysis and drainage modelling, as required by the NPPF
- Professionals in both Flood Risk and Drainage Design/Engineering
- Our reports are not computer generated generic reports, we provide site-specific FRA’s tailored to clients individual requirements
- Value Engineered Mitigation Measures and Drainage Designs
Additional services
On-Site Drainage Installation / Civil Engineering
FRDS work with reputable on-site drainage installation/civil engineering contractors. Please get in touch for a free quote.
Geo-Environmental Investigation / Remediation
FRDS work with one of the North West's leading Geo-Environmental Consultants. Please get in touch for a free quote.
Our full service suite
Not only do we specialise in Flood Risk Assessments and SUDS Drainage Design we also offer the full service suite to support any size or type of project you may have.
- Flood Risk Assessments
- Non-adoptable Waste Water Treatment
- Suds Drainage Designs
- Property Level Protection
- Sequential/exceptions Tests
- Support to Local Planning Authorities
- Flood Defense Consent
- Environmental Permits
- Insurance Reports
- Drainage Strategies for Major Developments
- Percolation Testing
- Feasibility Assessments
- Flood Storage Compensation
- Detailed Drainage Design (unadopted)
- Drainage Impact Assessments
- Business Continuity
- Sub-consultancy Services
- Soakaway Design
- Detailed Drainage Design (section 104)
- Modelling