August 2025 Update to Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning (FMfP)

The Environment Agency (EA) has announced a further update to the Flood Map for Planning (FMfP), due to go live on 27 August 2025. This follows the major update in March 2025, which introduced new datasets from the National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA2). The latest changes are designed to make flood risk data clearer and more practical for use in planning decisions.

Key Changes to the Flood Map for Planning (FMfP)

The key change is the introduction of a new Flood Zones plus climate change map layer. This shows how Flood Zones 2 and 3 could expand over the next 100 years, replacing the more complex rivers and sea with/without defences layers introduced in March 2025. The removed datasets remain available through the Defra Data Services Platform (DSP) for more detailed analysis.

While this update does not identify new areas at risk, it does mean the defended 1 in 30 (3.3% annual probability) layer has gone. That dataset offered valuable insight into defended flooding, whilst also being able to indicate where land could be located in Flood Zone 3b. A key flood zone designation when considering new development. Its removal makes it harder to see where flood defences provide protection, especially in places like London.

As a result, understanding flood risk now relies more on review of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs), interactive local plans, or specialist support such as Aegaea. Some SFRAs may lack detailed information on functional floodplain, so engagement with the EA or a specialist consultant will need to be undertaken to reference datasets such as the present-day 3.3% annual probability and water storage areas.

Although the Environment Agency aims to simplify how flood risk is presented, key detail can be lost. That is why early engagement with specialists remains essential.

Why the EA Updated the Flood Map for Planning

Since the March 2025 update, the EA has gathered feedback from developers, consultants, and local planning authorities. While the defended/undefended layers were technically useful, many found them difficult to interpret when making planning decisions.

By introducing a single, simplified “Flood Zones plus climate change” layer, the EA aims to:

• Make it easier to identify where a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is required
• Support the sequential test and, where necessary, the exception test
• Provide a straightforward entry point for Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs)

For more detailed analysis, the DSP and local model data (Product 4s) remain available.

When to Use the Updated Flood Map for Planning

The EA’s guidance is that the new layer should be used straight away.

• Live planning applications are not affected, as the update does not change flood risk itself — only how it is displayed.
• Developers and consultants using GIS tools should update their feeds to include the new layer as soon as it becomes available.

Product Suitability Diagram (v2.0)

The TCPA have also linked a diagram explaining the suitability of the Environment Agency’s new flood risk products for development planning.

• Green — suitable for use.
• Yellow — may be relevant to inform assessments, but additional information is usually needed.
• Red — unsuitable for use.

What’s Next?

This update is part of a wider programme of improvements planned through 2025-26. Upcoming changes include:

• Surface water climate change extents (expected autumn 2025)
• Flood depth information for rivers, sea, and surface water by the end of 2025
• Regular quarterly updates as the system becomes embedded

Together, these updates will make flood risk data more consistent, more transparent, and better aligned with the long-term impacts of climate change.

What the August 2025 Flood Map Update Means for Developers

The August 2025 update represents another step forward in the EA’s ambition to provide clearer, more accessible flood risk information. For planners, architects, and developers, the “Flood Zones plus climate change” layer will make it simpler to identify potential risks early — helping avoid costly design changes later in the planning process.

However, this new layer does not replace the need for site-specific flood risk assessments. Local data, detailed modelling, and professional interpretation remain essential to ensuring proposals meet planning requirements.