Flood sign road closed because of flooding

Submerged wooden fence on a river in heavy flood after a storm

Flood waters surrounding a brick house and coming up to level 5 on a flood scale measure

Flood Risk Assessments

Drainage assessment services with sustainable solutions

Scott White and Hookins undertakes Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) and drainage assessments for a range of developments, from individual dwellings to large-scale commercial schemes.

Our engineers are highly experienced and knowledgeable of current legislation, as well as the latest research in flood management techniques and flood risk modelling.

Alongside FRA, we also offer pre-development advice, the design of flood alleviation schemes and the design of sustainable drainage systems (SUDs).

Excavator dig the trenches at a construction site. Trench for laying external sewer pipes. Sewage drainage system for a multi-story building. Civil infrastructure pipe, water lines.

Drainage Assessment Services with Sustainable Solutions

Scott White and Hookins undertakes Flood Risk Assessments (FRA), drainage strategy and design for a range of developments, from individual dwellings to large-scale commercial schemes.

Our engineers are highly experienced and knowledgeable of current legislation, as well as the latest research in flood management techniques and flood risk modelling.

Alongside FRA, we also offer pre-development advice, the design of flood alleviation schemes and the design of sustainable drainage systems (SUDs).

Managing flood risk is an important part of achieving sustainable development. We offer the design of flood alleviation schemes and sustainable drainage systems (SUDs).

Smiling female office staff shaking hand of client at meeting

Predevelopment and Preplanning Advice

We are able to give ‘pre-advice’ before a site layout is developed or submitted for planning.

Where a topographic survey is available, we can assess and advise on the natural flow paths of surface water runoff across a site.

The benefit of this is that it allows developments to be designed to take account of natural flow paths and, therefore, be more viable. This can greatly simplify drainage solutions, provide a more sustainable drainage system (SuDS) and lead to possible cost savings.

Man from the environmental agency observes flooding

Compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework

A significant proportion of the UK is at risk of tidal, river or groundwater flooding. FRAs and drainage strategies are now required for many planning applications in England, ensuring compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

SWH supports developments to satisfy the recommendations of the Environment Agency (EA) that adequate mitigation measures ensure that a development is sustainable and safe in terms of flood risk.

Similar legislation applies in other parts of the UK.

Flood Risk Assessment

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), as part of the planning process, ensures that developers are aware of any risks and are advised of any mitigation measures that may be required.

This service identifies any existing flooding issues, whether from fluvial or pluvial sources, to confirm the sites flood zone(s) and to highlight the flood risks based on this information.

Our FRAs appraise the proposed site in accordance with NPPF requirements and contain advice on how to reduce any potential flood risk, based on a qualitative appraisal. Relevant asset plans from the local water authority (where available) will be included, along with any local requirements from the local flood authority.

Our engineers are highly experienced and knowledgeable of current legislation in flood management techniques and flood risk modelling.

SUDS excessive rainwater discharge draining canal

Drainage Strategy - SUDs

A Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) strategy for the site will be included as part of our FRA.

Typically, this may contain a surface water catchment analysis, relevant hydraulic calculations and flood modelling, as required. From this, a detailed drainage strategy is provided together with advice on any flood mitigation measures required.

Mockup of BIM Model on laptop for civil engineering and flood risk assessments and design

Detailed Drainage Design

Increasingly Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA) are requiring some applications to submit fully detailed drainage design proposals for full planning applications. However, for many projects this is something we would carry out as part of the full design for a project, after the FRA and drainage strategy stages.

We use market leading drainage design software and Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) data for estimating floods and site runoff rates, in the UK, to accurately model surface water drainage systems, assess flood risks and optimise our design solutions.

Our drainage design services include: detailed hydraulic appraisal of storm and foul water drainage systems; design of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to mitigate peak rainfall flows; hydraulic design of drainage mitigation and attenuation systems; drainage adoption compliance; domestic foul and surface water drainage systems to building regulation requirements; Water Act, Section 104 agreement compliance; and investigations of existing drainage systems to determine capacity and condition.

Tell us about your project

Get in touch today to learn more about our Flood Risk Assessments services…

03331 882511 [email protected]