Flood Risk Assessments for Change of Use
Converting to residential — office-to-resi (Class MA), commercial or agricultural conversions? A vulnerability-compliant FRA that addresses the higher flood-risk classification and satisfies the LPA.
FRAs for Change of Use & Conversions
Changing a building's use — particularly to residential under Class MA prior approval, or converting a barn, office or commercial unit to homes — changes its flood-risk vulnerability classification. A use that was acceptable as commercial ('less vulnerable') may be 'more vulnerable' as housing, so an FRA is needed to show the conversion is safe.
We assess the site's flood risk against the new, more vulnerable use, address finished floor levels, safe access and escape, and flood resilience, and demonstrate the change of use is appropriate in flood-risk terms. For Class MA and other prior-approval routes, flood risk is a specific matter for consideration — our FRA answers it directly.
What's included
- Vulnerability re-classification
- Flood risk against the new use
- Safe access & escape assessment
- Finished floor levels
- Flood-resilient conversion measures
- Class MA prior-approval focus
- EA standing advice compliance
- Planning-ready FRA report
When change of use needs an FRA
A more vulnerable use in a flood zone triggers the requirement.
Office to residential (Class MA)
Class MA prior approval lists flood risk as a specific consideration where the site is in Flood Zone 2 or 3 — an FRA is needed to obtain approval.
Barn & agricultural conversions
Converting agricultural buildings (Class Q) or barns to dwellings raises the vulnerability classification and usually requires an FRA in higher flood zones.
Commercial to residential
Turning shops, pubs or commercial units into homes increases flood vulnerability, so the LPA needs evidence the new use is safe.
Sui generis & HMO changes
Other changes that increase occupation or vulnerability in a flood zone can also trigger a flood risk assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related services: Barn Conversion FRA • Commercial FRA • Sequential & Exception Test
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★★★★★ 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++”
Converting a building to residential?
Send us the address and proposed use for a fixed-fee change-of-use FRA quote within 24 hours.
Get a Free QuoteOr contact us directly: 07826 705389 •