Flood Risk Assessments (FRA) are required when a planning application is submitted. This requirement is set out in the Government's policy on development and flood risk as stated in paragraphs 10-13 of Planning Policy Statement 25.

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) will make a decision on whether a development is suitable. The Environment Agency helps in this process by providing advice, either on a case by case basis or for lower risk development via a series of standard comments known as 'standing advice'. Early discussion can save time and money by highlighting where:

• Flood risk affects your development

• the Sequential and Exception Tests (explained below) will be required and the implications of this the development type is inappropriate for the proposed location

• the site is at too great a flood risk for development

• inappropriate detailed designs are being considered

• the Environment Agency can provide information to support your Flood Risk Assessment The Sequential Test is a process that the Local Planning Authority (LPA) must go through to direct development as far as is practicable, to areas at the lowest probability of flooding.

The Exception Test will also be applied where the impact of flooding on people or the environment is greatest. Information on both tests is set out in PPS25 and the accompanying practice guide. The specialist water environment team at UK Accreditation can help with this aspect of your project, please give them a call or email them to discuss your requirements.