Flood Risk Assessments & Drainage Strategies in Brighton
Independent flood risk consultants serving Brighton and surrounding areas. Planning-ready FRAs and SuDS drainage strategies from £295, delivered within 3–5 working days.
Flood Risk Assessments in Brighton
Flood Risk Environmental provides Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS drainage strategies and detailed drainage design for planning applications across Brighton and the wider Sussex area.
Brighton and Hove has unique flood risk challenges including coastal flooding from the English Channel, surface water flooding in the historic town centre and valleys, and groundwater flooding from the underlying chalk aquifer. East Sussex County Council as LLFA has specific SuDS and drainage requirements. The chalk geology affects infiltration assessments significantly.
Our reports are prepared by a qualified consultant with over 17 years' experience and written specifically to satisfy the requirements of East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority.
Services in Brighton
- Flood Risk Assessments — from £295
- SuDS drainage strategies for planning
- Detailed SuDS and drainage design
- LLFA SuDS proforma completion (East Sussex County Council)
- Sequential and Exception Test submissions
- S23 Ordinary Watercourse Consent
- EA Flood Risk Activity Permit applications
- LLFA drainage objection responses
Flood risk in Brighton
Brighton is unusual: with no significant river, its flood risk comes from the sea, from surface water, and — distinctively — from groundwater in the chalk. After prolonged wet winters the chalk water table can rise close to the surface in the valleys (such as the historic Wellesbourne), causing groundwater flooding that catches developers out. An FRA here often centres on surface water and groundwater rather than the fluvial risk typical elsewhere.
Along the seafront, coastal flood risk and the interaction with the beach and defences is the key consideration, while steep chalk topography drives rapid surface water run-off inland.
Brighton & Hove City Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority. We prepare FRAs that properly address surface water and chalk groundwater, and drainage strategies suited to the underlying geology (where infiltration is often viable).
Local flood facts — Brighton
- Main watercourses: No major river; historic watercourses such as the (culverted) Wellesbourne
- Lead Local Flood Authority: Brighton & Hove City Council
- Main flood sources: Coastal, surface water and groundwater
- Key FRA consideration: Chalk groundwater and surface water flooding rather than river flooding
When Do You Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Brighton?
Planning applications in Brighton require a Flood Risk Assessment in the following circumstances:
Development in Flood Zone 2 or 3
Any development in London's Flood Zone 2 or 3 areas requires an FRA. The LLFA will object to applications in flood risk areas without a robust FRA and drainage strategy.
Major Applications (10+ dwellings)
Major planning applications in Brighton — 10 or more dwellings, sites over 0.5ha, or non-residential floorspace over 1,000m² — require an FRA in any flood zone.
Sites Over 1 Hectare in FZ1
Large sites in Flood Zone 1 may require an FRA if over 1 hectare, to demonstrate that drainage is adequate and runoff won't increase downstream flood risk.
LLFA Drainage Conditions
Where East Sussex County Council has imposed a pre-commencement drainage condition, we prepare the detailed SuDS design package needed to satisfy the condition and secure approval.
LLFA Drainage Objections
If your Brighton planning application has received a flood risk or drainage objection from the LLFA, we can review it and prepare a technical response to resolve it fast.
Change of Use
Converting commercial buildings to residential use in a flood risk area in Brighton typically requires a new Flood Risk Assessment to confirm future occupiers will be safe.
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 Flood Risk Assessment in Brighton?
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