How to prepare a strategic flood risk assessment
Summary
The Environment Agency has published guidance for local planning authorities on preparing and maintaining a strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA). The guidance emphasises that SFRAs should be kept up to date as a living document and used early in plan-making to inform decisions on the type and location of development.
Why it matters
SFRAs are a key evidence base for planning decisions in areas where flood risk may affect residential development, site allocation and design. Surveyors involved in planning, development advice or due diligence should be aware of how these assessments shape local policy and risk considerations.
Key points
- Local planning authorities should prepare an SFRA for their area.
- SFRAs inform local plans, spatial development strategies and development decisions.
- The guidance says SFRAs should be maintained as web-based, living documents and reviewed after significant flood events.
- Authorities are advised to set up governance arrangements early and assign a single point of contact.
- Early and wide consultation is recommended, including consultation on the SFRA scope before commissioning work.
Organisations:
Environment Agency, local planning authorities, local resilience forums
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