Flood Risk Assessments & Drainage Strategies in Newcastle
Independent flood risk consultants serving Newcastle and surrounding areas. Planning-ready FRAs and SuDS drainage strategies from £295, delivered within 3–5 working days.
Flood Risk Assessments in Newcastle
Flood Risk Environmental provides Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS drainage strategies and detailed drainage design for planning applications across Newcastle and the wider Tyne and Wear region.
Newcastle and Tyneside have significant fluvial flood risk from the River Tyne and its tributaries, with the 2012 flooding events causing widespread damage. Many riverside areas in Newcastle and Gateshead are in Flood Zone 3. The North East LLFAs have specific SuDS proforma requirements and have become increasingly active consultees on drainage strategies.
Our reports are prepared by a qualified consultant with over 17 years' experience and written specifically to satisfy the requirements of Newcastle City Council, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority.
Services in Newcastle
- Flood Risk Assessments — from £295
- SuDS drainage strategies for planning
- Detailed SuDS and drainage design
- LLFA SuDS proforma completion (Newcastle City Council / Northumberland CC)
- Sequential and Exception Test submissions
- S23 Ordinary Watercourse Consent
- EA Flood Risk Activity Permit applications
- LLFA drainage objection responses
Flood risk in Newcastle
Newcastle sits on the tidal River Tyne, so quayside and riverside development carries tidal flood risk that an FRA must quantify with climate-change allowances. The Ouseburn adds local fluvial risk in the east of the city.
The event that reshaped local thinking, though, was surface water: the June 2012 'Toon Monsoon', when intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage across Newcastle and Gateshead and flooded roads, the Metro and thousands of properties. Surface water is now front and centre in the city's drainage requirements, and most FRAs need a strong SuDS-led surface water strategy.
Newcastle City Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority. We prepare FRAs addressing Tyne tidal and Ouseburn fluvial risk, and drainage strategies that meet the council's surface water standards.
Local flood facts — Newcastle
- Main watercourses: River Tyne (tidal) and the Ouseburn
- Lead Local Flood Authority: Newcastle City Council
- Main flood sources: Tidal, fluvial and surface water
- Key FRA consideration: Tyne tidal risk and severe urban surface water (the 2012 'Toon Monsoon')
When Do You Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Newcastle?
Planning applications in Newcastle 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 Newcastle — 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle?
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