flood risk advice

We provide a comprehensive flood risk analysis and mitigation service. See below for:

Our specialist contacts
Flood mapping / risk analysis services
Examples of previous projects

"a comprehensive flood risk analysis and mitigation service"

You may:

have been flooded or told that you are at risk of flooding
have a river or stream at the bottom of the garden
have problems with the drains when it rains
have a business in a city centre near to the river
be involved in the redevelopment of a former industrial site
have been told that you need a flood risk assessment to accompany your planning application
live in an area protected by flood defences and you are not quite sure if these will protect you
be a utility company with important assets located in the floodplain
be a local authority officer dealing with land use decisions and planning applications
live on the coast where the cliffs are receding
be a landowner affected by a coastal realignment scheme
be an ecologist involved with washlands and habitats
be looking for someone to design flood defences

…...we can help

Millard Consulting is a leading expert in flood risk assessment, with over two decades of experience in this field. See below for how we can help.

These maps find their main application in the design of evacuation strategies in areas affected from flooding.The presentation of mapped results is often easier for stakeholders to appreciate and allows statutory planning bodies to determine applications. Millard Consulting has an established track record of success with flood probability and hazard mapping.

Flood risk assessment

Flood probability and hazard mapping

How we can help

All new developments or change-of-use proposals which appear to be at risk of flooding in England are required to comply with Planning Policy Statement 25 - Development and Flood Risk. The risk of flooding is quantified so that developments can be located in areas of least risk, and so that the vulnerability to flooding and the risk to people and property are minimised.

In Scotland the requirements for flood risk assessments are set out in Scottish Planning Policy SPP7- Planning and Flooding, and in Wales the equivalent regulatory document is Technical Advice Note (Wales) TAN15 - Development and Flood Risk.

Millard Consulting uses the most advanced techniques in the analysis of fluvial, tidal or coastal flooding and in the determination of risk. All the analysis includes the latest climate change data.

need more information?

For more information relating to this service either click here, to see our service page relating to structural work; which has numerous examples of previous projects, or contact one of the specialists shown below who will be able to help you further.

Specialists

Brian Coghlan

Director

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brian.coghlan@millardconsulting.co.uk

Chris Ward

Director

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chris.ward@millardconsulting.co.uk

Millard Consulting is able to model residual risk situations where flood defences may fail, and where appropriate, we can determine the best mitigation measures and evacuation strategies.

In order to comply with the sustainable development aspirations associated with planning policy we design sustainable drainage strategies for all our projects. We can advise on the sequential testing of alternative proposals and coordinate our work closely with the Environment Agency, SEPA and the Environment Agency (Wales).

Flood probability and hazard mapping

Millard Consulting uses advanced modelling and mapping techniques in the analysis of fluvial, tidal and coastal flood risk. Hydraulic modelling output data are processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create high quality flood maps.

In addition to the creation of flood maps showing e.g. flood extent, flood depth or a combination of both, the output of two-dimensional hydraulic models is used to produce so called “hazard-to-people” ratings. The “hazard-to-people” rating scores are presented on maps categorising the scores in four classes ranging from “caution” to “danger for all”.

Things to consider

The magnitude of a flood is measured in terms of probability. The Environment Agency is generally responsible for flood defences in England and SEPA in Scotland. These Agencies will not approve any planning application in a flood risk area without a robust assessment of risk, often involving flood risk mapping.

Usually a GPS topographical survey or a LiDAR survey is required. If your site is defended, you may be required to investigate the consequences of failure of the defences.

It is often difficult at the outset to judge how complex the flood risk assessment might be, and it is sometimes best to set up an initial investigation stage; in order agree with the Agency the scope of the necessary detailed analysis. This allows you to minimise cost. A typical FRA may take between four to eight weeks to complete and submit to the Agency.