Flood Risk Assessments in Essex & Kent: A 5-Step Guide for Planners
- Ben Norman (Associate- Civil Engineer)
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2024, the UK recorded over £650 million in flood damage claims - a stark reminder that flood risk is not just a policy issue, but a real and rising threat for developers across the South East.
For planning professionals in Essex and Kent, understanding how to approach a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) in line with the latest guidance is critical to getting planning consent and protecting future occupants. Whether you’re dealing with a site in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or in a Critical Drainage Area, a robust FRA is often a mandatory part of the application process.
1. Appraise the Site Using Updated Flood Maps
Your first step should always be to consult the latest Environment Agency flood risk maps via flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk. These maps outline:
Flood Zones (1, 2, 3a, 3b)
Areas benefitting from flood defences
Surface water flood risk
In Essex and Kent, many towns - such as Chelmsford, Basildon, Maidstone and Ashford - now fall within higher risk categories due to urban growth and climate-driven rainfall patterns.
2. Apply the Latest Climate Change Allowances
Since 2023, the Environment Agency has required planners to use updated climate change allowances when calculating flood levels. For South East England, this means allowing for:
+45% peak river flow (central allowance)
+40% peak rainfall intensity for surface water
Ignoring these allowances is a common reason for planning objections - particularly for sites within Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA)Â jurisdictions like Essex County Council or Kent County Council.
3. Design Effective Mitigation Measures
Once flood risk is confirmed, mitigation measures must be designed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Common examples include:
Raising finished floor levels above predicted flood level
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)Â to control runoff and manage surface water
Flood resilient construction materials
Safe access and egress routes
All of these must be justified within the FRA and supported by design drawings, modelling data, and site-specific evidence.
4. Engage Early with the LLFA and EA
Local planning authorities in Essex and Kent increasingly require pre-application consultation with the LLFA and the Environment Agency. Early engagement helps ensure:
Your drainage strategy aligns with local and national policy
You can resolve objections before formal submission
The application isn’t delayed by unexpected review comments
At SuDS Designs by JMS Civils, we manage this consultation process as part of our Flood Risk Assessment service.
5. Commission a Professional FRA
A detailed, policy-compliant FRA is essential for developments in flood-sensitive areas. Our FRAs for Essex and Kent include:
Site walkover and topographic appraisal
EA flood data analysis and mapping overlays
Runoff and discharge modelling using MicroDrainage and FEH13 data
Clear recommendations on mitigation and SuDS integration
Support with planning objections and technical queries
We tailor every assessment to reflect local planning policies and NPPF requirements, ensuring that our clients can move through planning with confidence.
Why Choose SuDS Designs by JMS Civils?
We specialise in Flood Risk Assessments for sites in Essex, Kent, and wider East Anglia, working with housing developers, architects and planning consultants. Our team is up to speed with:
EA and LLFA expectations
National and local flood policy
Drainage and SuDS strategy integration
Whether your site is small-scale or strategic, our FRA service provides the robust, compliant documentation needed to support planning approval.
Start Your FRA Today
Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Essex or Kent? Contact SuDS Designs by JMS Civils for a fast, fixed-fee quote - and get expert support from appraisal to approval.
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SuDS Designs specialises in comprehensive Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) reports, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional drainage methods.
Drainage Strategies
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Flood Risk Assessments
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SuDS Designs by JMS Civils help developers, architects and homeowners take a smarter, more sustainable approach to drainage - combining technical know-how with practical, cost-effective solutions. Whether it’s surface water strategies, SuDS reports or expert design advice, we make sure drainage works with your site, not against it.