Are Flood Risk Assessments in London Different From Other Parts of the UK?
London's flood risk assessments differ substantially from other UK regions due to the Thames Barrier, breach mapping, and 32 borough-specific planning requirements.
National Planning Policy guides development across the UK, coupled with local planning policies that dictate flood risk assessment requirements. London’s assessments differ substantially from other UK regions due to the Thames Barrier and formal flood defences on the River Thames.
Central London is affected by breach mapping and subject to different assessment criteria. It takes a specialist assessment from a renowned company to ensure all the different policies are adhered to.
London Boroughs
The 32 London Boroughs each maintain their own planning documents and Supplementary Planning Documents that vary regarding basement treatment, finished floor level requirements, breach analysis, and design horizon. Aegaea has worked across all boroughs and possesses detailed knowledge of individual borough requirements.
Additional considerations include the London Plan, strategic flood risk assessments, surface water mapping, and “Drain London” results.
Key Assessment Areas
London SFRAs
Strategic Flood Risk Assessments provide core resources for Local Planning Authorities. These documents set out the flood risk context for each borough and define requirements for site-specific FRAs.
Breach Mapping
Thames EA breach mapping data covers central London, informing finished floor levels, construction requirements, basement feasibility, and evacuation plan needs. Understanding how breach scenarios affect individual sites is essential to producing compliant assessments.
If you need help navigating London’s complex flood risk assessment policies, get in touch with the team.