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Technical insights and industry updates

Case studies, policy analysis and practical guidance from Aegaea flood risk and civil engineering specialists.
  • 110 articles
  • 18 case studies
  • Written by our consultants

All articles

53 articles on flood risk, engineering and planning.

TechnicalMay 2026

Navigating the Future of Housing: Why Better Data Means Safer New Builds

Following Aegaea’s Director, Daniel Cook, on ITV’s Tonight, we explore how improved flood data is reshaping risk and supporting safer development.

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TechnicalApril 2026

How long does a Flood Risk Assessment take?

When preparing a planning application, one of the most common questions developers and homeowners ask is: how long does a Flood Risk Assessment take?

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TechnicalApril 2026

Help me find a Flood Risk Consultant – what to look for when choosing the right support for your development

Choosing the right flood risk consultant early can be the difference between a smooth planning approval and costly delays.

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TechnicalApril 2026

Can I write a Flood Risk Assessment myself?

If you have been told your planning application requires a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), you might be wondering: can I write a Flood Risk Assessment myself?

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TechnicalFebruary 2026

The Yearly Survey Planner: How to Schedule River Surveys for Better Flood Risk Outcomes

You know from blog 1 in this series, seasonal weather and ground conditions play a critical role in determining when river and watercourse surveys can be carried out most efficiently. Understanding these seasonal influences early can make the difference between a smooth survey programme and one affected by delays or escalating costs.

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TechnicalFebruary 2026

Timing is Everything: How Seasons Impact Your Flood Risk Survey (and Your Deadline)

In the world of flood modeling, efficiency is everything. That is why Aegaea has partnered with Storm Geomatics to bring you a series of insights on how seasonality affects data capture, health and safety, and - most importantly - the delivery speed of your project. Our goal is simple: to help you provide the correct information at the earliest opportunity, expediting your results and improving delivery efficiency.

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TechnicalDecember 2025

SEPA Pluvial Flood Maps 2023 vs 2025

SEPA has released one of the most significant updates to Scotland’s national flood mapping in recent years: the new Surface Water and Small Watercourse Flood Maps (SWSW Maps), published in March 2025. These maps replace SEPA’s 2023 Pluvial Flood Mapping dataset and introduce improved clarity, coverage, and climate change allowances for assessing flood risk across Scotland. Before looking at the updates, it's helpful to understand what SEPA's flood maps represent and why these changes matter.

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TechnicalDecember 2025

Hydraulic Modelling – 3 Key Differences between Scotland and England

Hydraulic modelling to inform a flood risk assessment is often required when the available flood maps indicate that a site may be at risk of flooding, or if your proposed development has a chance of increasing flood risk downstream. When it comes to modelling, England and Scotland generally follow similar best practice guidance. However, here are 3 notable differences encountered when it comes to obtaining modelling data and modelling practices in comparison.

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TechnicalAugust 2025

Navigating Scotland’s Surface Water Connection Policy: A Developer’s Guide

For developers planning new projects in Scotland, connecting surface water to the combined sewer network is far from straightforward. Compared with similar sites in England and Wales, the process is considerably more restrictive. Scottish Water’s stringent policies mean careful planning is essential, particularly for greenfield sites. Failing to meet these requirements can result in costly delays, so it is essential to understand the rules early on.

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TechnicalAugust 2025

SuDS – The importance of data to make informed decisions and the risks involved if you don’t

Additional data requests, such as a CCTV survey or infiltration testing, can seem like unnecessary extra costs, especially when you have just appointed a Surface Water Drainage Engineer who is now requesting more information to support their work. But consider the alternative. For example, a Thames Water Asset Plan costs as little as £68 + VAT, and a CCTV survey for a single dwelling typically ranges from £400 to £800. What if not having this information led to a planning refusal? The resulting delays in sourcing the missing data–or, worse, the need for a full resubmission–could cost significantly more, particularly given the recent increase in planning application fees. The reality is that this risk is becoming increasingly common, as highlighted in a recent appeal decision where limited evidence and a failure to follow the SuDS hierarchy resulted in refusal.

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TechnicalJuly 2025

Independent Water Commission Report 2025: Key Recommendations on Drainage, SuDS and Schedule 3

On 21 July 2025, Sir Jon Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission released its 465-page final report, outlining 88 wide-ranging recommendations to fundamentally reform the water sector in England and Wales. In this blog, we explore the key recommendations and their potential impact on flood risk and drainage.

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TechnicalJuly 2025

Flash Flooding in London Explained: Causes, Impacts and Solutions

The latest NaFRA2 update shows that nearly a third of a million properties in London (319,800) are at high risk from surface water flooding.

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TechnicalJuly 2025

National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 2025

On 19 June 2025, DEFRA launched a refreshed set of non-statutory national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), aimed at delivering consistent, multifunctional surface-water management across England. While not legally mandatory, these standards are published as broader national standards aligned with legal frameworks such as the Environment Act 2021 and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. They signal a significant shift in how developers, planners, and engineers approach drainage.

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TechnicalJuly 2025

Environment Agency EA2030 Strategy: Climate Resilience & Flood Risk

The Environment Agency (EA) has released its latest strategic plan, EA2030 - Change for a Better Environment. The EA2030 strategy outlines a new vision for a climate-resilient nation, with a much stronger emphasis on managing flood risk through proactive planning and nature-based solutions. For developers, this signals a move away from simple compliance towards a more integrated approach to design and location. We've analysed the strategy to bring you the key takeaways and what they mean for your upcoming projects

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TechnicalJuly 2025

How Dry Weather Increases Flood Risk in the UK

With hot weather can come flood alerts and warnings, even during what feels like one of the driest periods of the year. While this may seem contradictory, prolonged dry weather can significantly increase the risk of surface water flooding. As climate patterns continue to shift, we are likely to see more extremes: hot, dry spells followed by short, intense bursts of rain. Understanding how and why this leads to flooding is essential for communities, developers and property owners alike.

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TechnicalJune 2025

Flood Risk for Data Centres in Scotland

Scotland’s data centre sector is growing rapidly, fuelled by increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital connectivity. The country's cooler climate, strong renewable energy credentials, and improved connectivity make it an ideal location for large-scale digital infrastructure.

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TechnicalMay 2025

Mid Sussex District Council Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

We’re proud to announce that Aegaea has completed a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), supporting the local authority in shaping sustainable, climate-resilient development for the future.

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TechnicalApril 2025

SEPA Launches New Surface Water & Small Watercourse Flood Maps

On the 12th of March 2025 a significant update to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)’s mapping was introduced in the form of the publication of a new surface water and small watercourses flood mapping dataset to accompany the existing fluvial (rivers) and coastal mapping extents.

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TechnicalApril 2025

Over 1000 New Flood Schemes Announced

The Government and Environment Agency are investing £2.65bn in over 1,000 flood defence schemes. Explore how this affects high-risk areas, aligns with NaFRA2, and informs decisions for property owners, planners, and developers.

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TechnicalMarch 2025

Understanding the Growing Threat of Flooding: A Personal Perspective

Our Graduate Flood Risk Consultant, Amelia, shares her personal experience with the impact of flooding whilst living in Hebden Bridge.

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TechnicalMarch 2025

Glasgow City Council – Bespoke Flood Risk Assessment and Design Requirements

It has now been two years since the adoption of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4)– the spatial strategy for Scotland which replaced NPF3 and the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

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TechnicalFebruary 2025

Flood Risk and Surface Water Drainage in Enfield

The London Borough of Enfield has several bespoke planning policies and numerous Critical Drainage Areas (CDAs) to navigate.

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TechnicalDecember 2024

Everything you need to know about SuDS for extensions and small-scale developments

When planning for your small house extension project, it’s easy to overlook the impact on surface water drainage. With this being said, even small-scale developments can contribute to urban flooding, water pollution, and biodiversity loss if not designed thoughtfully.

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TechnicalNovember 2024

Storm Bert and Property Flood Resilience

Between 23rd and 25th November 2024, Storm Bert resulted in extreme rainfall and strong winds across the UK.

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TechnicalNovember 2024

Flood Risk Policy in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

“All development, regardless of size, should ensure that there is a net reduction in flows to the combined sewer network.”

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TechnicalNovember 2024

Flood Risk Assessment in Scotland – The Future Fluvial Flood Risk Area

During the early stages of your project, it is vitally important that consideration is given to flood risk and understanding the Flood Risk Area.

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TechnicalAugust 2024

Scotland Flood Risk and Essential Infrastructure

On the 18th July 2024, SEPA released updated guidance and criteria with regards to the Land Use Vulnerability for both existing and proposed developments, with respect to Flood Risk.

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TechnicalApril 2024

Aegaea Listed As A Qualified Surveyor for Storm-Hit Properties In Leicestershire

Aegaea is pleased to announce that Leicestershire County Council has listed us as an appropriately qualified and experienced surveyor to carry out property flood surveys to assist homeowners affected by Storms Babet and Henk in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively.

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TechnicalMarch 2024

Full Project Lifecycle At Aegaea

No matter what stage you’re at in your project, from pre-purchase due diligence to as-built construction drawings, getting the right expert advice at the right time is essential.

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TechnicalOctober 2023

What Is Natural Flood Management (NFM)?

NFM (Natural Flood Management) measures are usually small scale features put into catchments that try to mimic natural processes. If done properly, with sufficient numbers, in the right place in the catchment they can help to improve water quality, slow down flows and reduce flood response of a catchment.

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TechnicalOctober 2023

What Are Property Flood Resilience Assessments?

Independent, accredited assessors should conduct property flood resilience assessments in accordance with the Code of Practice BS851188, which provides guidance on assessing and managing flood risk.

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TechnicalFebruary 2023

SEPA Unveils New 3 Day Flood Forecast

In February 2023, SEPA officially launched the new Scottish Flood Forecast service, which provides a 3-day notice to both the public and businesses of potential flooding impacts.

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TechnicalFebruary 2023

What Are Flood Warning & Evacuation Plans (FWEPs)?

When do you need a FWEP? How do you write a FWEP? Why is a FWEP important? All questions covered in today's article!

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TechnicalNovember 2022

What is a Critical Drainage Area?

Critical Drainage Areas are areas where development could have an influence on the risk of flooding within a ‘Local Flood Risk Zone’ (LFRZ).

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TechnicalApril 2022

London Borough of Sutton Local Flood Risk Policies

The London Borough of Sutton adopted its local plan in 2018, which covers the period from 2016 to 2031. The plan includes some 40 policies covering different planning requirements—policy 32 covers flood risk and drainage.

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TechnicalApril 2022

City of Westminster Flood Risk

The City of Westminster adopted their City Plan 2019-2040 in April 2021.

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TechnicalMarch 2022

Flood Risk Assessment – Independent Certifications in Scotland

Some Scottish councils require independent checks of flood risk and drainage assessments. Understand what to confirm before appointing a reviewer.

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TechnicalMarch 2022

Flood Hydrology Road Map – The next 25 Years

The Environment Agency (EA) has published its roadmap for developing flood hydrology for the next 25 years.

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TechnicalMarch 2022

Understanding the Economic Impacts of Flooding and Risk Modelling

Flooding is a problem the world over – from the recent floods in Brisbane, Australia, to the string of named storms in the UK in 2022, it is clear that flooding causes disruption to lives and livelihoods.

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TechnicalFebruary 2022

Understanding West London SFRA Borough FRA Requirements

Flood risk assessments (FRAs) are a key part of planning applications in the West London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.

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TechnicalFebruary 2022

SEPA’s Position On Elevated Buildings

SEPA has just released further guidance with regard to elevated development located in areas of flood risk.

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TechnicalFebruary 2022

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.

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TechnicalNovember 2021

Surface Water Drainage Scotland – What Developers Need to Know

During the development process in Scotland, it’s essential to consider how surface water drainage (run-off from roofs, paved areas, and other impermeable surfaces) will be managed on site, including its disposal method and final discharge location.

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TechnicalOctober 2021

Aegaea on ITV News: Tower Bridge Flooding Investigation

When surface water flooding brought parts of Tower Bridge to a standstill, ITV News London called upon Aegaea to help explain what had gone wrong and what could be done to prevent it from happening again.

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TechnicalAugust 2021

Flood Map Planning: How It Affects Development Applications

The Flood Map for Planning is a screening tool produced by the Environment Agency to help determine whether development proposals will require a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) as part of a planning application.

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TechnicalAugust 2021

What Is a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS)?

SuDS refers to Sustainable Drainage Systems. Before looking at SuDS, we must identify what is a drainage system?

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TechnicalJuly 2021

What Are The Sequential And Exception Tests?

What each test asks, when you are exempt, how to carry them out, what happens if a test fails, and what changed in August 2026.

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TechnicalJuly 2021

How the Pitt Review Changed UK Flood Response

In 2007, the UK experienced exceptional flooding. It was the wettest summer since records began. Numerous locations were hit with short-lived, extreme periods of rainfall, causing sudden flash flood events.

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TechnicalJuly 2021

Do I Need A Flood Risk Assessment For A Major Development?

Navigating the complexities of flood risk management is critical for any major development.

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TechnicalJuly 2021

What Is A Flood Risk Assessment? And What Do All The Flood Zones Mean?

A Flood Risk Assessment is integral to your planning application; the type, complexity and cost of that flood risk assessment will vary depending on the type and location of your development.

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TechnicalJuly 2021

What is a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA)?

Lead Local Flood Authorities, or LLFAs as they are commonly called, were established under the Flood and Water Management Act in 2010.

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TechnicalJune 2021

What Impact Does The Revised Breach Model Have On London Flood Risk Assessments?

Central London benefits from flood defences protecting the City Centre up to a 1 in 1000-year standard, mainly aided by the Thames Barrier.

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TechnicalFebruary 2021

What Is A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)?

When you are planning a development, you might feel as though a Flood Risk Assessment is just ‘one more added cost’; however, it is anything but.

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