Level 1 FRA - Screening Study - This is essentially a desk based study based on information in the public domain, such as the EA Flood map, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment that have been undertaken catchment by Local Authorities. This should identify whether there are any flooding or surface water management issues related to the development site that may warrant further consideration. The Screening Study will ascertain if a FRA level 2 or 3 is required.

Level 2 FRA - Scoping Study - This is required if the Level 1 study indicates that the development site may lie within an area that is at risk of flooding or that the site may increase flood risk due to increased run-off. A Level 2 study will incorporate field based observations and should confirm the sources of flooding that may affect the site, and should include the following

• An appraisal of the availability and adequacy of existing information
• A qualitative appraisal of the flood risk posed to the site, and potential impact of the development on flood risk elsewhere
• An appraisal of the scope of possible measures to reduce the flood risk to acceptable levels

The scoping study may identify that sufficient quantitative information is already available to complete a FRA appropriate to the scale and nature of the development.

Level 3 FRA - Detailed Study - This is required where the level 2 study concludes that further quantitative  analysis is required to fully assess the flood risk issues related to the development site. This will most likely involve the undertaking of a detailed topographic and hydrographic surveys. This will allow hydraulic and hydrological modelling studies to be undertaken to help assess the effects of the proposed development. Key outcomes from a level 3 detailed study include

• Quantitative appraisal of the potential flood risk to the development
• Quantitative appraisal of the potential impact of the development site on flood risk elsewhere
• Quantitative demonstration of the effectiveness of any proposed mitigation measures  

The information above has been extracted and adapted from PPS25 Development and Flood Risk Pactice Guide, figures 3.5 and 3.6. See our additional information page for links to download this document.  

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