Enhancing Flood Modelling Guidance For Streamlined Planning Approvals
- Alastair Sheppard
- Jan 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Simon Lewis, Senior Technical Advisor at the Environment Agency
Introduction
Over the past few years, our flood modelling teams at the Environment Agency have collaborated with Jacobs and the wider flood modelling community to develop and publish comprehensive flood modelling standards. These standards, which encompass fluvial, open coast, and estuarine environments, were created to enhance the quality of flood models we see as clients and to benefit the wider flood modelling community.
In December 2023, our flood modelling teams released new guidance to complement the existing standards, specifically targeting those using flood modelling in the planning process.
Role as a Statutory Consultee
As a statutory consultee, the Environment Agency reviews approximately 110,000 land use planning applications annually, and predominantly we comment on flood risk. In 2022-23, 99% of new homes in planning applications and 96% of all planning decisions complied with Environment Agency advice. However, reaching this level of compliance can sometimes be challenging for all parties involved. Our new guidance aims to enhance the experience for everyone by setting clear expectations for flood modelling.
The guidance is intended for planning applicants, developers, and consultants who use modelling in flood risk assessments when applying for planning permission. It covers the use of hydrological and hydraulic modelling as part of a flood risk assessment and outlines the expected standards. One of the clearest points our guidance emphasizes is that if you submit a model to us as part of a planning application, you are responsible for everything in it, even if the model was originally provided by us or another Risk Management Authority.
In England, numerous sources of existing flood models are accessible to the public. The Environment Agency has thousands of models available upon request, and additional models can be obtained from other Risk Management Authorities. It is the responsibility of the planning applicant, often through their consultant, to ensure that their modelling is fit for purpose when submitted in support of their application. Therefore, if you are reusing and modifying someone else’s model, you must not only update your site-specific details but also ensure that the entire model meets the latest standards and accurately represents the current situation.
For me, another crucial point from the guidance is to thoroughly quality assure your model. Identifying and addressing issues early, before submission, will save you significant time and effort.
Benefits of Following the Guidance
Following our guidance, “Using modelling for Flood Risk Assessments”, should assist anyone submitting a model as part of a planning application by:
Reducing the challenges to your modelling
Decreasing the time regulators need to review your model (and respond to your planning application overall)
Enhancing the overall quality of your model and boosting confidence in the story it tells about flood risk pre- and post-development for your site (and the benefits your planning application brings).
As understanding and mitigating flood risk becomes increasingly essential to safeguard communities and build resilience, it is crucial to equip professionals with innovative yet accessible solutions to address the challenges ahead. Discover how Flood Modeller can help you achieve this.
Simon Lewis
Simon is a Senior Technical Advisor in the Environment Agency. He has 19 years’ experience in Flood and Coastal Risk management mostly focused on non-real-time modelling. Simon has a strong passion for enabling technology and innovation that enhances and improves how flood modelling is carried out with in the Environment Agency and the wider flood modelling community.
