Planning with EA Flood Risk Standing Advice

Understanding how the Environment Agency’s (EA) Flood Risk Standing Advice works can help streamline your planning application - and keep your development moving.

At SuDS Designs, we break down what the April 2025 update means for developers, architects, and local planning authorities.

What is EA Standing Advice?

The EA’s Flood Risk Standing Advice is guidance for low-risk developments where standard measures are considered sufficient. Rather than consulting the EA directly, applicants and planning officers can follow this advice to assess flood risk.

It typically applies to:

• Small residential or non-domestic extensions (up to 250 m²) in Flood Zones 2 and 3

• Water-compatible and certain more/less vulnerable uses in Zone 2

For more complex or higher-risk developments, a formal consultation with the EA is still required.

What’s Required for Planning?

Even if a development qualifies under standing advice, a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is still mandatory. This needs to show the development is safe and won’t increase flood risk elsewhere.

It should include:

• Flood levels, including climate change allowances

• Finished floor levels and design resilience measures

• Site location plans, cross-sections, and flood mitigation proposals

  
  

We prepare FRAs tailored to your site, ensuring they meet current EA standards.

Sequential and Exception Tests

The Sequential Test directs development to areas of lowest flood risk. Minor developments (like small extensions) may be exempt.

If no suitable alternative site is available, you may need to pass the Exception Test, which involves proving:

• Sustainability benefits to the community

• The development will be safe for its lifetime

• There’s no increased risk to others

We help you understand whether these tests apply and how to meet them.

When to Consult the EA

Local planning authorities must consult the EA directly if:

• The development falls outside the scope of standing advice

• It’s a major development in a flood zone

• It’s within 20m of a main river or flood defence

• Surface or groundwater flooding is a concern

If needed, we can engage with the EA on your behalf - early and proactively.

Planning and Flood Risk: A Joined-Up Process

Flood risk is now a key part of the planning journey.

Developers should:

• Check the flood risk of the site

• Determine if standing advice applies

• Prepare a compliant FRA

• Submit the application with the right supporting documents

• Respond to any EA comments or objections

We make this process clear, efficient, and compliant - no delays, no surprises.

Using the Right Flood Data

The EA’s 2025 Flood Map update introduced new datasets, including:

• National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA2)

• Updated river, coastal, and surface water maps

• Clearer separation between defended and undefended scenarios

We ensure your FRA uses the most relevant and up-to-date data - properly referenced, justified, and clearly presented.

Supporting Sustainable, Safe Development

Our team understands the nuances of flood risk policy and how it connects with drainage, surface water design, and SuDS strategy.

We work with:

• Architects seeking planning approval

• Developers needing detailed FRAs

• Planning consultants navigating flood zones

With SuDS Designs by JMS Engineers, you’ll get flood risk reports that satisfy the EA, reassure planning officers, and keep your project on track.

Get in touch with our team today for practical support on your next planning submission.

Let’s Plan Better Water Management Together

Whether you're designing a housing development, commercial site, or mixed-use scheme, now is the time to act on the updated National SuDS Standards 2025.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project.