Flood Risk
Need help? Ask our flood risk experts a quick question
Ashfield offers a comprehensive range of flood risk solutions for both commercial clients and homebuyers. Whether you want to initially check your flood risk or have been told that you need to undertake further investigation or flood assessment, please feel free to get in touch so that we can help guide you on the correct path.
Flood Mitigation Survey
Are you looking to manage or reduce flood risk at your property or business? Ashfield can provide a comprehensive flood assessment of risk, coupled with an on-site flood survey to create an all-encompassing report with realistic solutions. We will provide you with budget costs for any associated mitigation methods that are recommended. The type of scenarios we come across include the following:
- your property was flooded, and you want to avoid this happening again
- you’re trying to sell your home or business premises, and flood risk is putting off potential buyers
- you’re located in a flood prone area and want to proactively manage this risk in future
- you want to make your business more resilient to the future risk of flooding.
- your insurer has asked for further assessment of flood risk prior to them placing the policy
Our Flood Mitigation Survey and accompanying reports are undertaken in line with the latest CIRIA Code of practice for property resilience (C790). Recommended solutions will cover both flood resistance and resilience approaches where deemed feasible. This includes analysis of both present day and future flood risk, based upon the latest Climate Change predictions. Climate Change will lead to wetter weather all year round, meaning that the probability of experiencing flooding will generally increase in future.
Homebuyers
Flood Appraisal – Residential
Has your initial search report identified flood risk or a Further Action? Buying property in a flood risk area can be a stressful and daunting thought. The FCI Flood Appraisal provides a powerful combination of the best available flood risk data from Future Climate Info with unparalleled flood assessment insight by Ashfield and numerous trusted national and local sources. All reports are compiled in line with the latest Law Society practice note guidance, as well as being reviewed by a RICS chartered professional.
The FCI Flood Appraisal is often used as a follow up report, where flood risk may have been identified within a baseline property search undertaken by your conveyancing solicitor (Red Flag or Further Action). The additional expert insight by Ashfield’s flood risk consultants leads to on average 70% of Further Actions being removed on residential property.
The full FCI Flood Appraisal Product Card can be viewed here.
For further information on how to order a FCI Flood Appraisal, please get in contact with us.
Commercial Property Investors
Flood Appraisal – Commercial
Buying a commercial property in a flood risk area? The FCI Flood Appraisal provides a powerful combination of the best available flood risk data from Future Climate Info with unparalleled flood assessment insight by Ashfield and numerous trusted national and local sources. All reports are compiled in line with the latest Law Society practice note guidance, as well as being reviewed by a RICS chartered professional.
The FCI Flood Appraisal is often used as a follow up report, where flood risk may have been identified within a baseline commercial property search undertaken by your conveyancing solicitor (Red Flag or Further Action).
The full FCI Flood Appraisal Product Card can be viewed here.
For further information on how to order a FCI Flood Appraisal, please get in contact us.
Flood Risk Due Diligence Report
Ashfield has provided commercially driven flood risk advice for large institutional real estate investors for over fifteen years. We can undertake a site-specific Flood Risk Due Diligence Report coupled with a site walkover – when warranted – for commercial/industrial property or as part of a wider investment portfolio. Our Flood Risk Due Diligence Report goes beyond the standard flood risk searches and provides bespoke advice. This can include:
- requesting detailed flood assessment model information from the EA or NRW.
- comparing modelled flood levels with site levels.
- how to manage potential flood risk issues.
- guidance on obtaining flood insurance.
- how to deal with potential surface water management issues.
Where flood risk has been found to potentially impact the property, Ashfield are able to undertake a Flood Mitigation Survey. To understand more about this service, please contact us.
Property Development and Planning
Flood Risk Assessment for Planning
Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment for Planning when developing in an area designated as an Environment Agency Flood Zone? Depending on the type of development, and its proximity to an area that has a predicted or historical risk of flooding, the Local Planning Authority may request that you undertake a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (known as a Flood Consequence Assessment in Wales).
Ashfield will work to address any conditions outlined by the Local Planning Authority on your behalf, and where required provide recommendations on how to manage any residual risk for the development’s lifetime. All our flood assessment reports use the most up to date terrain and flood modelling information as well as applying the latest Climate Change allowances.
Drainage Assessment
To support your planning application, Ashfield are also able to undertake an appropriately detailed Drainage Assessment (also known as a Drainage Strategy or SUDS Strategy), using the latest Micro Drainage modelling software. If Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are required as part of your development, Ashfield can provide a suitably scoped solution that is economically driven as well as incorporating the appropriate allowances for future Climate Change.
To obtain planning approval for your development through addressing flood risk and drainage, please contact us.
What is flood resistance?
Flood resistance looks to stop internal flooding of a property through the addition of specific mitigation measures onto outer walls, doorways, and other potential water entry points.
What is flood resilience?
Flood resilience looks to minimise internal damage and disruption to the inside of a property, where flood water entry cannot be fully managed or stopped. The use of water-resistant building materials, moving valuables and utilities higher and having a flood plan are just some of the measures that can lead to minimising the potential disruption that flood water can cause.
What is a flood plan?
A flood plan outlines all measures that need to be taken prior to flooding, which would lead to the minimisation of the damage and disruption that would be caused by flood water.
Property flood history
The Flood History of a property may have been recorded in various ways through local records or council databases. Ashfield uses latest Environment Agency Flood History records, as well as our own UK wide local scale Flood History Database. This will give you the best indication of whether your property has previously experienced any flooding from Rivers, Sea, Surface Water, Reservoirs or Groundwater.