PPG25 states that flood risk is a material planning consideration and that it is the
applicant’s responsibility to assess and mitigate that risk. Applicants should visit the
Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or telephone the
National Customer Contact Centre on 08708 506506 to find out which flood zone their
property lies in. A flood risk assessment (FRA) will be required if the house is in zone 2
or 3.
Guidance notes on how to prepare a suitable FRA can be found on
www.pipernetworking.com or by telephoning the Environment Agency on the above
number. If an FRA is not received the application may be treated as invalid whilst the
assessment is prepared. The Local Planning Authority can refuse planning permission
for development if the proposal is not submitted with a suitable FRA.