Developers, Don't Delay Your FRA

February 26, 2021

The local planning authority will often request a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) as part of a planning application.


Our specialists have pulled together the 3 key points below to help you kickstart your FRA, prevent planning delays and get cracking with construction!


Engage Early.


If your site resides in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or covers an area greater than 1 hectare in Flood Zone 1, an FRA is required. Check the Environment Agency’s flood mapping service to see which zone you are in and engage early with an Envireau Water hydrologist to understand the complexity of the project, how much data and technical work is required to support a successful application, and the likely costs. 

Acting early ensures that sustainable solutions are designed to minimise flood risk and manage surface water and, crucially, prevent unforeseen costs and delays during the planning process. 


Understand Your Site’s Hydrology.


The effects of extreme rainfall have led to surface water flooding becoming a more important consideration at planning application stage. Surface water drainage modelling is increasingly required alongside the traditional river or tidal flood risk models, particularly for larger developments. By applying appropriate modelling techniques, concerns around flow pathways and runoff rates can be addressed as part of the FRA.


The modelling is then used to identify sustainable drainage solutions that comply with planning policies and, where necessary, meet the requirements for adoption by the local authority.


Invest in detailed data.


If there is one thing experience has taught us at Envireau Water, it is that the right data is required to make the right decisions! For FRAs, this means investing in a good topographical survey to thoroughly assess the potential for flooding, and design appropriate mitigation where it is required.  Good topographical data can be used to verify the extent of, and where necessary challenge, defined flood zones. Without good data, it is not possible to demonstrate that a development will be safe and not increase flood risk elsewhere.


We can help…


Our team has been carrying out FRAs and developing sustainable solutions for water management and drainage for over 25 years. We apply our expertise in hydrology, hydraulic modelling, and the water environment, to achieve successful outcomes. Save time, reduce costs and get in touch with our team at info@envireauwater.co.uk or call on 01332 871 882.

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Richmond Bike Park Success

By Rachael Plant • September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.

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We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
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Richmond Bike Park Success

By Rachael Plant • September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.

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By Rachael Plant • July 22, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.

Hannah Muir joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.

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Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
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