Flood Consequence Assessments

Important part of the planning process

FCA's are an important part of the planning process and are mandatory for all new developments in Wales within zone C areas. These areas are shown on the Welsh Government's development advice map (DAM) as being predicted to be at risk of flooding more frequently than once in 1,000 years. FCA's examine if a proposed development itself will be affected by flooding and also if the development will cause or increase flooding elsewhere. FCA's are only applicable in Wales, the corresponding document in England is the Flood Risk Assessment.

TAN15 sets out the requirements for FCA's and the need to examine the consequences of flooding for up to the 1 in 1,000 year return period (0.1% AEP) is particularly onerous.

Breadth of study

The work required for an FCA depends on the particular site and on the information available from Natural Resources Wales. In some cases, to fulfil the requirements of TAN15, it may be necessary to use FEH methods to assess the flood flows in watercourses and then to undertake a computer river modelling study to assess the extent of the flooding itself.

Further Details

Areas covered − We are happy to undertake FCA's within about 60 miles of our office in Cardiff. As well as the cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport this includes the main towns of Llanelli, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Abergavenny and Monmouth together with the surrounding areas.

Scope of Report − As part of the FCA we would normally consult with Natural Resources Wales but unfortunately this can be a protracted process and is likely to set the timescale for the whole FCA. We feel that this is important since it allows the FCA to address any objections before planning permission is applied for. This may also save you time and expense later.

The quotation will give our best estimate of the scope of an FCA to cover your needs. During the course of a study, occasionally, new information may indicate that additional work is called for. In this case we will discuss this with you before incurring extra costs.

Deliverables − We will send a PDF copy of the completed report via e-mail. We do not normally supply a paper copy of the report.

Copyright − The report will be protected by copyright but we give you permission to produce an unlimited number of copies.

Payment − Our quotation will set out the payment terms and we accept payment by cheque or direct transfer via Internet banking.

Quotation − Please contact us for a free no obligations quotation for a Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) tailored to your specific site and needs. This will give the cost, an estimate of how long it would take and detail the scope of the report.