Flood Risk Assessments & Drainage Strategies in Manchester
Independent flood risk consultants serving Manchester and surrounding areas. Planning-ready FRAs and SuDS drainage strategies from £295, delivered within 3–5 working days.
Flood Risk Assessments in Manchester
Flood Risk Environmental provides Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS drainage strategies and detailed drainage design for planning applications across Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester city region.
Greater Manchester has significant fluvial flood risk from the River Irwell, River Mersey and their tributaries, with notable Flood Zone 3 areas across the conurbation. Surface water flooding is also a significant issue, and Greater Manchester LLFAs are known for robust technical scrutiny of drainage submissions.
Our reports are prepared by a qualified consultant with over 17 years' experience and written specifically to satisfy the requirements of Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford MBC, or whichever Greater Manchester LLFA has jurisdiction over your site.
Services in Manchester
- Flood Risk Assessments — from £295
- SuDS drainage strategies for planning
- Detailed SuDS and drainage design
- LLFA SuDS proforma completion (Greater Manchester Combined Authority)
- Sequential and Exception Test submissions
- S23 Ordinary Watercourse Consent
- EA Flood Risk Activity Permit applications
- LLFA drainage objection responses
Flood risk in Manchester
Manchester's rivers — the Irwell, Medlock, Irk and Mersey — carry real fluvial flood risk, brought sharply into focus by the Boxing Day 2015 floods (Storm Eva), when the Irwell overwhelmed defences and flooded parts of Salford and the wider conurbation. Riverside and former-industrial regeneration sites frequently sit in Flood Zone 2 or 3 and need a robust FRA with finished floor levels and, where the functional floodplain is affected, compensatory storage.
The dense urban core also carries significant surface water risk, with run-off from large impermeable catchments ponding in low spots. New development must manage its run-off through SuDS discharging at controlled rates.
Manchester City Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority. We prepare FRAs and drainage strategies that address the Irwell/Medlock fluvial risk and the council's surface water requirements together.
Local flood facts — Manchester
- Main watercourses: River Irwell, Mersey, Medlock and Irk
- Lead Local Flood Authority: Manchester City Council (one of the ten Greater Manchester authorities)
- Main flood sources: Fluvial and surface water
- Key FRA consideration: Irwell/Medlock fluvial risk and urban surface water
When Do You Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Manchester?
Planning applications in Manchester 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 Manchester — 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 Greater Manchester Combined Authority 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester?
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