Environment Agency Flood Maps for Planning (FMfP) Updates March 2025
The EA integrates NaFRA2 flood datasets into the Flood Map for Planning, with 6.3 million properties now identified at risk and new climate change projections.
The Environment Agency is updating existing data and integrating new NaFRA2 flood datasets as part of the March 2025 updates to the Flood Maps for Planning (FMfP). As local authorities rely on FMfP data for planning decisions, understanding its potential impact is essential for any development.
Key Takeaways
- New NaFRA2 flood zone data will be released by the Environment Agency and used by planning authorities when assessing flood risk
- More properties are expected to be considered ‘at risk’ as a result and require flood risk assessments
- The new datasets include Climate Change Projections (UKCP18) for the first time
- New information will display surface water risk and show how climate change may affect future flood extents
- Defended Rivers/Seas, 3.3% to be displayed (Flood Zone 3b)
What Are the Changes?
Following the NaFRA2 updates in January, the Environment Agency’s March 25th update integrates new datasets to Flood Maps for Planning, including new and updated versions of ‘Flood zones’, climate change projections and improved technology.
Key features of the updated datasets:
- Enhanced Local Data Integration: The new datasets combine detailed local flood risk models with national data
- Climate Change Projections: Incorporating UK Climate Projections (UKCP18)
- Improved Accuracy and Resolution: High-resolution maps and refined modelling techniques
What Are the Implications?
- Increased Properties at Risk: Approximately 6.3 million properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water
- Surface Water Flooding Risks: Around 4.6 million properties are now identified as being at risk from surface water flooding — 43% more than in prior assessments
- River and Sea Flooding: An estimated 2.4 million properties face flood risks, with an 88% rise in properties classified as highest risk
- Future Projections: One in four properties in England could be in flood-prone areas by mid-century
Future Updates
The Environment Agency plans to enhance its flood risk information by integrating updated local data and advanced modelling starting in summer of 2025. The agency aims to refresh flood risk data every three months and coastal erosion data annually.
The Importance of Good Data
One of the reasons for the increase in properties now classified as at risk is the advancement of data capture methods, improved modelling and technology. Accurate, high-quality data is the foundation of effective flood risk management.
“By producing hydraulic models informed by good data capture this leads to a greater representation, greater accuracy and with that better data capture we’re much more able to identify those areas which are at higher risk of flooding.” — Daniel Cook, Director of Aegaea