Flood Consequence Assessments Wales (TAN15)
Expert FCAs under TAN15 (2024) for planning applications across all Welsh LPA areas, satisfying NRW and local planning authority requirements.
Flood Consequence Assessments for Planning in Wales
Planning applications in Wales that fall within Development Advice Map (DAM) zones B, C1 or C2 require a Flood Consequence Assessment (FCA) under Technical Advice Note 15 (TAN15, 2024). An FCA is the Welsh equivalent of a Flood Risk Assessment in England, but follows the specific methodology and policy requirements set out in TAN15 rather than the English NPPF.
We prepare Flood Consequence Assessments for planning applications across all local planning authority areas in Wales, including those in the jurisdiction of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) — the statutory consultee for flood risk in Wales. Our FCAs are written to satisfy TAN15 and the specific requirements of your Welsh LPA.
The revised TAN15 (2024) introduced significant changes to flood risk policy in Wales, including a new DAM classification system. If you've received conflicting advice about whether TAN15 or the old flood zone system applies to your site, contact us for clarity.
TAN15 DAM Zones Explained
The 2024 Development Advice Map (DAM) classifies land in Wales into four zones based on flood probability from rivers and the sea.
DAM A — Low Flood Risk
Land at low risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. No Flood Consequence Assessment is required for development in DAM A. Planning can proceed without flood risk evidence (subject to surface water drainage requirements).
DAM B — Medium Flood Risk
Land with a medium probability of flooding. A Flood Consequence Assessment is required. Most development types are acceptable in DAM B subject to demonstrating the consequences of flooding are acceptable and the development won't increase flood risk elsewhere.
DAM C1 — High Flood Risk
Land at high risk of flooding. A Flood Consequence Assessment is required and development is limited to specific use types. Highly vulnerable development (e.g. residential) is only acceptable in exceptional circumstances. Both flood consequence and justification tests apply.
DAM C2 — High Flood Risk (Functional Floodplain)
The highest flood risk zone — land that regularly floods or is designed to flood. Development is generally restricted to water-compatible uses and essential infrastructure. Most new development is inappropriate in DAM C2.
What's Included in a TAN15 Flood Consequence Assessment
- DAM zone classification and flood probability assessment
- Identification of all flood sources — river, tidal, surface water and groundwater
- NRW flood map interrogation and data requests
- Flood depth, velocity and hazard assessment for the design flood event
- Climate change assessment in accordance with TAN15 and UK Climate Projections
- TAN15 justification test (DAM C1 and C2) where required
- Flood consequence assessment for residents, users and the site
- Finished floor level and threshold recommendations
- Safe access and egress assessment for all return periods
- Flood resilience and resistance measures specification
- Surface water drainage strategy in accordance with SuDS Wales requirements
- NRW and Welsh LPA-ready FCA report ready for planning submission
Welsh LPA Areas We Cover
We prepare Flood Consequence Assessments for planning applications across all Welsh local planning authorities, including:
North Wales
- Gwynedd Council
- Isle of Anglesey County Council
- Conwy County Borough Council
- Denbighshire County Council
- Flintshire County Council
- Wrexham County Borough Council
Mid & West Wales
- Ceredigion County Council
- Powys County Council
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Carmarthenshire County Council
- Neath Port Talbot County Borough
South Wales
- Cardiff Council
- Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Bridgend County Borough Council
- Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC
- Merthyr Tydfil CBC
- Caerphilly CBC
- Newport City Council
- Monmouthshire County Council
- Blaenau Gwent CBC
- Torfaen CBC
- Swansea Council
Frequently Asked Questions
Trusted by Developers, Architects & Planning Consultants
★★★★★ 5.0 from 6 Google reviews
“Antony was great to work with when we needed a Flood Risk Assessment and Emergency Flood Plan. As an architect I would definitely use FRE Consultants again… his report went a good way in helping us get planning permission on a tricky site. Highly recommended.”
“Antony carried out my Flood Risk Assessment and has done a great job. My architect commented that the report was professionally drafted and very easy to follow. I highly recommend Antony's services.”
“Antony carried out a SuDS report for one of our projects and provided an excellent service throughout — quick to respond, clear communication, and a thorough, detailed report within the agreed timescale. We will certainly be using his services on all future projects!”
“Extremely helpful, prompt and friendly service carrying out a Flood Risk Assessment for a home project that required planning permission in a flood risk area… the price was reasonable and given up-front, and the final report was highly professional and exactly as required.”
“I had an extension completed on my house and needed a Flood Risk Assessment for planning. The service received was great and at a competitive cost. We were granted planning after first submission.”
“Nice and quick service. Recommend A++”
Need a TAN15 Flood Consequence Assessment?
Free, no-obligation fixed-fee quote within 24 hours. All Welsh LPAs and DAM zones covered.
Get a Free QuoteOr contact us directly: 07826 705389 •