Are Flood Risk Assessments In London Different From Other Parts Of The UK?

National Planning Policy guides development across the UK, coupled with local planning policies, which dictate the terms to which a flood risk assessment must be written.

In London, these policies can be substantially different from those of the rest of the UK owing to the presence of (among other things) the Thames Barrier and formal flood defences on the River Thames.

Much of central London is also affected by breach mapping and is subject to slightly different assessment criteria than other places.

As such, it takes a specialist assessment from a renowned company to ensure all the different policies are adhered to.

Aegaea works all across the London Boroughs for architects, planners and private developers. We’re acknowledged leaders in the area, providing expert opinions to our clients (and even ITV News).

London Boroughs

There are 32 London Boroughs, each with its own planning documents and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), which guide development and flood risk.

These vary depending on the way in which basements are viewed, finished floor level requirements, breach level analysis, and design horizon.

Aegaea has coordinated and written Flood Risk Assessments in all Boroughs and has a detailed knowledge of the local requirements for each Borough.

Add to this the London Plan, strategic flood risk assessments, surface water mapping, and the results of “Drain London.”

The task of hitting all the requirements of a flood risk assessment can be a bit daunting.

London SFRAs

The London Strategic Flood Risk assessments form a core resource for LPAs to assess the London flood risk assessment – critical local policy and guidance are often contained within them.

London Breach Mapping

The Thames EA Breach mapping data sets cover central London.

The information contained within them must be referenced to the correct design horizon and risk requirement, depending on the location and type of development.

This could inform finished floor levels, flood resilient construction requirements, flood protection requirements, the ability to add basements, the types of flood warnings, and whether a flood risk evacuation plan is required.

How can we help?

Aegaea’s consultants have a detailed knowledge of planning policy throughout the UK, but we have made it our mission to ensure that we have unpicked all of the flood risk assessment requirements in London to help our clients through the complex policy issues.

Over the next several weeks, Aegaea will update our website and blog to highlight the policy stumbling blocks in London and how we engage with Local Planning Authorities and use all available data to deliver excellent outcomes for our clients.

Contact Nick Darling-Drewett at nick@aegaea.com to find out how to make your Flood Risk Assessment in London straightforward and simple.