31 January 2025
Earlier this week, The Environment Agency released a new National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA2) and a new National Coastal Erosion Risk Map (NCERM).
The updated maps use more accurate data, higher-resolution information and finer-scale modelling and include an account of the latest UK climate projections for the ‘2050s’ (2022 to 2060) epoch.
Our senior flood risk engineer, Ryan Chafer breaks down what these updates mean for planning and development.
Ryan says: “These updates bring more accurate mapping concerning surface water, rivers and seas, and coastal flood risk, which is welcome news. However, housebuilders and developers are advised that the Flood Map for Planning is not due to be updated until 25 March 2025 and therefore the Flood Zone maps for England remain unchanged.
“The risk of flooding from rivers and sea mapping takes into account the presence and condition of flood defences whilst the Flood Map for Planning does not consider these. So in terms of planning, the Flood Map for Planning will remain the primary indicator of risk from fluvial sources.
“The implications being that the flood risk posed to sites could increase or decrease so if you are unsure of the potential impact, please contact our flood risk team for an assessment.”
View the updated NaFRA2 maps via https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk and NCERM maps via https://www.gov.uk/check-coastal-erosion-management-in-your-area.
To discuss the implications for your development, please contact our Flood Risk team.
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