Flood Risk Assessments & Drainage Strategies in Leicester
Independent flood risk consultants serving Leicester and surrounding areas. Planning-ready FRAs and SuDS drainage strategies from £295, delivered within 3–5 working days.
Flood Risk Assessments in Leicester
Flood Risk Environmental provides Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS drainage strategies and detailed drainage design for planning applications across Leicester and the wider Leicestershire region.
Leicester has significant flood risk from the River Soar and its tributaries, with substantial areas of the city in Flood Zone 3. Leicestershire County Council as LLFA has active pre-application engagement and specific SuDS requirements. As a Leicestershire-based consultancy, we have particular expertise in Leicester and Leicestershire applications.
Our reports are prepared by a qualified consultant with over 17 years' experience and written specifically to satisfy the requirements of Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority. As a Barrow upon Soar-based consultancy, Leicester is our home territory.
Services in Leicester
- Flood Risk Assessments — from £295
- SuDS drainage strategies for planning
- Detailed SuDS and drainage design
- LLFA SuDS proforma completion (Leicester City Council)
- Sequential and Exception Test submissions
- S23 Ordinary Watercourse Consent
- EA Flood Risk Activity Permit applications
- LLFA drainage objection responses
Flood risk in Leicester
Leicester is built around the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, which run through the heart of the city. The Soar floodplain is extensive, and the city relies on a network of flood defences and washlands to manage fluvial risk. Riverside regeneration sites, common along the Soar corridor, frequently sit in Flood Zone 2 or 3 and need an FRA addressing defended flood risk, floor levels and, where the functional floodplain is affected, compensatory storage.
Surface water flooding affects lower-lying and heavily developed parts of the city, so SuDS-led drainage is central to most schemes.
Leicester City Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority for the city (Leicestershire County Council for the county). As a Leicestershire-based practice we know the Soar catchment and the local authority requirements well, and prepare FRAs and drainage strategies accordingly.
Local flood facts — Leicester
- Main watercourses: River Soar, Grand Union Canal and Willow Brook
- Lead Local Flood Authority: Leicester City Council (and Leicestershire County Council)
- Main flood sources: Fluvial and surface water
- Key FRA consideration: River Soar floodplain through the city and its flood defences
When Do You Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Leicester?
Planning applications in Leicester 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 Leicester — 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 Leicester City 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 Leicester 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 Leicester 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 Leicester?
Free no-obligation fixed-fee quote for your Leicester planning application within 24 hours.
Get a Free QuoteOr contact us directly: 07826 705389 •