Flood Risk Assessments & Drainage Strategies in Cambridge

Flood Risk Assessments in Cambridge

Flood Risk Environmental provides Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS drainage strategies and detailed drainage design for planning applications across Cambridge and the wider Cambridgeshire and South Cambridgeshire area.

Cambridge has significant fluvial flood risk from the River Cam and its tributaries, with many riverside areas of the city in Flood Zone 2 and 3. The wider Cambridgeshire area is one of the most active planning markets in the East of England, with a significant growth agenda around the city. Cambridgeshire County Council as LLFA has specific SuDS requirements and an active proforma process.

Our reports are prepared by a qualified consultant with over 17 years' experience and written specifically to satisfy the requirements of Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority.

Flood risk in Cambridge

Cambridge sits on the River Cam at the edge of the low-lying Fens, so its flood risk is a combination of fluvial risk along the Cam, significant surface water flooding on the flat urban topography, and — importantly — groundwater flooding, which is a genuine and sometimes overlooked issue on the region's high water table. An FRA here often has to address more than one source at once.

The flat, low-lying land also means drainage is tightly managed, with Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and watercourses that constrain discharge. Getting run-off away at acceptable rates, and demonstrating infiltration feasibility, is central to most drainage strategies.

Cambridgeshire County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority. We prepare FRAs and drainage strategies that address the Cam, surface water and groundwater together, and engage with IDB requirements where relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions