Flood Risk Assessments in Nottingham | Same Day Quote

Flood Risk Assessments in Nottingham For Planning Permission & Flood Mitigation

Nottingham is a city that experiences frequent flood issues predominantly from the River Trent. As the Trent meanders between the city and adjacent towns, extensive flood defences protect these areas from most flood events, however, this puts these areas at significant risk in the event of a breach or overtopping of these defences. For any development taking place in Nottingham, West Bridgford and other nearby towns and villages, the potential risk from a breach of flood defences must be assessed. Furthermore, there are many areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire not protected by flood defences, including areas adjacent to smaller watercourses or rural areas adjacent to the River Trent. These areas are likely to experience more frequent flooding, particularly in the future as a result of climate change, and risk to future developments in these areas must be assessed.

Assess Flood Risk in Nottingham – Desk studies comprising in-depth research of flood risk in Nottingham and surrounding areas, including analysis of data obtained from the Environment Agency, guidance from Nottingham's local planning authorities (including city and borough councils), Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, and Digital Terrain Model (DTM) LiDAR topographical surveys of the River Trent, River Leen, and Day Brook catchments.

Support Planning Applications – Our flood risk assessment reports for Nottingham include Sequential & Exception Tests and detailed flood mitigation strategies to protect against potential flooding and support your planning application or comply with planning conditions set by Nottingham's local authorities.

Flood Mitigation & Sustainable Drainage – Combining our flood and environmental expertise with detailed quantitative flood modelling allows us to develop solutions for flood risk and surface water drainage issues in Nottingham, mitigating future flood events and meeting local authority requirements.

Our Flood Risk Assessment Services in Nottingham

Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment – Our Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments for developments in Nottingham, West Bridgford, Newark, Retford and other towns and villages across Nottinghamshire aim to establish the site context and suitability of proposed projects by collating information from the Environment Agency, guidance from Nottingham's local planning authorities, and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments. This data is used to apply the Sequential Test & Exception Test, a standard requirement for most flood risk assessments supporting planning permission in Nottingham flood zones.

Information obtained from sources including the Environment Agency, Nottinghamshire local authorities, Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, Digital Terrain Model (DTM) LiDAR topographical surveys, and Ordnance Survey is analysed to determine the likely extent and depth of flooding. We also provide a qualitative assessment to determine site-specific risk and recommend suitable flood mitigation measures. If the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment shows the flood risk to be acceptable or easily mitigated, this may be the only stage necessary; however, where higher risk is identified, further detailed assessment may be required.

Detailed Flood Risk Assessment – For sites in Nottingham with complex or significant flood risk, we carry out Detailed Flood Risk Assessments to model water flow and drainage, identify ground conditions, and determine minimum floor levels and safe evacuation routes. This detailed analysis ensures compliance with Nottingham planning requirements and long-term resilience for developments near the River Trent and River Leen.

Flood Mitigation Options Appraisal – Following the assessment of flood risk at your Nottingham site, we identify suitable mitigation measures and provide a strategy for implementation. Using industry-leading quantitative flood modelling, we determine the most appropriate options based on cost, practicality, and regulatory implications.

Flood Warning & Evacuation Plan – Our Nottingham-specific Flood Warning & Evacuation Plans outline procedures to keep residents and businesses safe during flood events. These plans include site vulnerability assessments, safe access and egress routes, and resilience measures aligned with guidance from Nottingham's local planning authorities.

Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisal – We design SuDS strategies to manage surface water flooding in Nottingham's urban areas, integrating green infrastructure and meeting local authority requirements. Our appraisals help developments contribute positively to Nottingham's flood resilience.

Flood Risk Activities Permit – We guide you through obtaining Environment Agency Flood Risk Activity Permits for works near Nottingham's main rivers, flood defences, or floodplains, ensuring compliance and reducing regulatory delays.

When Is a Flood Risk Assessment Needed in Nottingham?

Planning Permission – If a planned development in Nottingham is within an area of higher flood risk, even if this area is currently protected by flood defences such as those along the River Trent, you may be instructed by the local planning authority to show that you have taken necessary precautions to protect the building from flooding. These precautions can include alterations to floor heights, material use, and other flood-resistant products. We carry out flood risk assessments in Nottingham, including applying the Sequential Test & Exception Test, to support planning applications or comply with planning conditions. Our extensive experience and construction partners allow us to design and manage the implementation of a range of flood protection measures and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) alongside our flood risk assessment report.

Due Diligence – Nottingham's growing urbanisation and increased impermeable surfaces, combined with more frequent extreme weather events, mean that drainage infrastructure is vital. Many areas now face residual flood risk. Flood risk assessments are crucial for developers and investors to understand potential hazards and their impact on future flood risks. If you're planning to develop land in Nottingham, a thorough assessment of these risks and mitigation options is essential.

Attenborough Nature Reserve Flood Risk Assessment Case Study

We're proud to have had the chance to work for EMEC Ecology, a subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (WLT), to support redevelopment work at the Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottingham. In order to conduct this Flood Risk Assessment, we first assessed the risks to the site from river flooding from the River Trent and its many tributaries, surface water flooding in nearby urbanised areas with limited permeable surfaces, groundwater flooding in areas with a shallow water table and permeable underlying soil and sewer flooding. There are many areas in Nottingham that benefit from flood defences, including the Trent Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme which was funded by DEFRA and built by the Environment Agency, that protects the site and thousands of others located north of the River Trent. A detailed analysis of the impact of potential sources of flooding and any flood defences that may be in place was essential in order to determine the risk of flooding at the site.

Oakshire Environmental recently carried out a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment for us at EMEC Ecology. They were extremely efficient, responsive and provided an on time service. Would definitely recommend and will certainly use them in the future. Thanks to Joe and Louis for working to our tight deadline! - EMEC Ecology

Where Does it Flood in Nottingham?

Flood Risk in Nottingham (City) - While the risk of flooding still remains, flood defences along the River Trent have reduced the area at risk of flooding in Nottingham City, particularly in the Beeston Rylands, Nottingham University, Lenton, Queens Drive and Meadows areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in Nottingham City is likely along the River Trent and Tottle Brook corridors.

Updated flood modelling identified an increased flood risk in the Old Basford area, the Old Lenton area surrounding the hospital, in playing fields and industrial depots between Orston Drive and Triumph Road and within the marina north of The Mornings road, however, a reduced flood risk was identified in the Castle Quay Close area and along Harrimans.

Flood Risk in East Nottingham (Gedling) - Flood defences along the River Trent in the west of Nottingham has reduced the area at risk of flooding in Gedling Borough, particularly in the Colwick and Netherfield areas, however, residual flood risk from the river still remains in many areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Gedling Borough of east Nottingham is likely along the River Trent corridor, in addition to, the corridor of the headwaters of the River Leen and Baker Lane Brook.

Flood Risk in South Nottingham (West Bridgford & Rushcliffe) - An increased residual risk of flooding was identified in West Bridgford and the wider Rushcliffe Borough as a results of the Trent Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme, however, much of West Bridgford considered to be at higher risk of flooding benefits from flood defences. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in West Bridgford and the wider Rushcliffe Borough is likely along the River Trent and River Smite corridors.

Flood Risk in West Nottingham (Broxtowe) - While the risk of flooding still remains, Broxtowe Borough in the west of Nottingham has benefitted greatly since the implementation of the Trent Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme, with defences contributing to a significant reduction in residual risk across the Attenborough, Chilwell and Beeston Rylands areas in the west of Nottingham. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Broxtowe Borough of west Nottingham is likely along the River Trent and River Erewash corridors.

Flood Risk in West Nottingham (Erewash) - Flood defences along the River Trent in the west of Nottingham has reduced the area at risk of flooding in Erewash Borough, particularly in Long Eaton within the Sawley and Trent Meadows areas, however, residual flood risk from the river still remains in many areas. In addition to other sources of flooding, data shows that the greatest susceptibility to flooding in the Erewash Borough of west Nottingham is likely along the River Derwent, River Trent and River Erewash corridors.

Meet Our Nottingham Based Flood Risk Consultants

Louis Turner, Technical Director - Having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Science, Louis is recognised for his technical leadership and precision in environmental consultancy. Louis provides strategic oversight across all service areas, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Louis leads the preparation of flood risk assessments, combining hydrological data, modelling, and site-specific analysis to evaluate potential hazards. His reports provide robust guidance for planning applications, helping clients mitigate flood risks and comply with Environment Agency and local authority standards.

Joe Turner, Operations Director - Providing practical expertise and a client-focused approach, Joe ensures that every project is delivered quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary hassle. He has successfully managed a wide variety of project types across the consultancy, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge and a reputation for keeping projects on track. Joe's leadership guarantees a smooth process for clients, from initial enquiry through to final reporting. Joe manages the operational side of flood risk assessments, ensuring hydrological modelling and reporting are completed promptly and accurately. His oversight guarantees that clients receive clear, actionable guidance to satisfy planning conditions and mitigate flood hazards.

Richard Turner, Director - With over 30 years of experience in site development, he provides invaluable insight into pragmatic solutions that balance costs, practicalities, and client objectives. Richard has a detailed understanding of building regulations and a clear sense of what is and isn't possible on site, making him a trusted advisor for developments of all sizes. Richard's background in site development allows him to assess flood risk with a pragmatic eye, ensuring that proposed mitigation measures are realistic, cost sensitive, and suitable for the specific site conditions.

Request A Flood Risk Assessment

Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements or, if your requirements are more complex, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. If you're looking for more information about our services or our company then complete the below contact form and we will endeavour to respond to your enquiry in a timely manner, alternatively, give us a call on 0800 433 2906 and our experienced consultants can provide actionable advice and guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Flood Risk Assessment cost? - Flood Risk Assessments vary in cost depending on a number of factors, primarily what work is included. The lowest cost option available is a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, which will involve a desk study of the site, analysing all available data from the Environment Agency, Local Planning Authority and any other flood risk assessments that may have been carried out in the area, following this, a qualitative assessment of all the potential flood risks to the site and resulting from development is conducted. Where detailed flood data is unavailable or further investigation of flood risk is recommended, a Detailed Flood Risk Assessment will be carried out, including site-specific quantitative flood modelling, to ensure reports are accurate and costs are kept to a minimum by avoiding unnecessary surveys and reports.

What is a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment? - A Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment will include analysis of all potential sources of flooding at a site and their potential impact, taking into account a number of factors including, any proposed development and the use of the site. Often requested by the Local Planning Authority, a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment will act as a in-depth scoping assessment to determine whether the risk of flooding at the site is acceptable or whether a more detailed assessment, including modelling and surveying site levels, is necessary.

What is a Detailed Flood Risk Assessment? - A Detailed Flood Risk Assessment is an in-depth study that focuses on surface water and river modelling to understand how flooding could impact a specific site. Unlike a standard assessment, this process uses advanced hydraulic and hydrological modelling to provide accurate predictions of flood behaviour under a range of scenarios. It is particularly important for developments where existing Environment Agency data is incomplete or does not capture the complexity of the site.

What is a Flood Mitigation Options Appraisal & Strategy? - A Flood Mitigation Options Appraisal & Strategy is a structured, site-specific assessment that identifies all feasible mitigation measures, evaluates their effectiveness, and sets out a preferred strategy for reducing flood risk. This process ensures compliance with national planning policy, supports safe and sustainable design, and gives decision-makers confidence that your development is resilient.

What is the Sequential Test? - When planning new development in England, especially in areas at risk of flooding, the planning system requires us to consider flood risk from the very start. Two key tools in this process are the Sequential Test and, where necessary, the Exception Test. These tests are part of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and help ensure that development is located and designed to minimise flood risk now and in the future. The Sequential Test is all about steering development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding. It asks a simple question: Is there a reasonably available site at lower flood risk where this development could go instead?

How to get a flood risk activities environmental permit? - The best way of obtaining an Environment Agency flood risk activities permit is to be thoroughly prepared, demonstrate that the proposed activity will be carried out in compliance with all relevant regulations, and to be responsive and professional in your interactions with the Environment Agency.

References
British Geological Society. BGS GeoIndex
Environment Agency. Flood map for planning
Environment Agency. Flood risk and coastal change
Environment Agency. Flood risk assessments: applying for planning permission