Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments
Get in touchThe Flood Protection Associates provides Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments . The company supports planning applications by identifying flood risks, assessing site conditions and recommending suitable mitigation measures to help developments progress.
What Are Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments evaluate flood risk for proposed developments using progressively more detailed information. The Flood Protection Associates prepares assessments that consider flood zones, surface water, groundwater, sewer flooding and ordinary watercourses while supporting planning and development decisions.
A Level 1 assessment generally provides a strategic overview using available flood data and planning information. A Level 2 assessment includes more detailed analysis where greater flood risk is identified or additional technical evidence is required.
What Types of Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments Are Available?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments can be tailored to the type, size and complexity of a proposed development. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports suitable for a wide range of planning requirements.
Level 1 Flood Risk Assessment – A strategic review using mapped flood data and site information.
Level 2 Flood Risk Assessment – A more detailed assessment for higher-risk sites or complex developments.
Residential Development Assessments – Supporting new housing and extensions where flood considerations apply.
Commercial Development Assessments – Assessing flood risk for offices, retail, industrial and mixed-use schemes.
Planning Support Assessments – Reports prepared to accompany planning applications and technical submissions.
When Are Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments Needed?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments are commonly required before planning permission is granted. The Flood Protection Associates prepares assessments where developments are proposed within Flood Zones, near watercourses or where local planning authorities request flood risk evidence.
Assessments may also be required for redevelopment projects, changes of land use, infrastructure improvements and sites affected by surface water flooding. Preparing the assessment early can help identify potential constraints before detailed design begins.
How Do Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments Work?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments follow a structured process that normally takes between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on project complexity and information availability.
Review available flood mapping, planning information and environmental data.
Assess the site's flood sources and surrounding conditions.
Evaluate the level of flood risk using appropriate technical guidance.
Recommend mitigation measures where required.
Produce a detailed report suitable for planning submission.
Who Needs Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments support developers, architects, planning consultants and property owners. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports for projects ranging from individual dwellings to larger residential, commercial and infrastructure developments.
Typical clients include:
Residential developers
Commercial developers
Architects
Planning consultants
Landowners
Housing associations
Public sector organisations
How Much Do Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments Cost?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments typically cost from around £500 to £2,500+, depending on the site's size, flood risk, complexity and reporting requirements. The Flood Protection Associates confirms project-specific costs following an initial review.
Typical cost ranges include:
Small residential sites – from £500–£900
Medium residential or commercial developments – £900–£1,800
Large or technically complex developments – £1,800–£2,500+
Factors affecting cost include site size, flood zone classification, available data, modelling requirements and planning authority expectations.
What Are the Benefits of Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments provide clear technical evidence to support safe and sustainable development. The Flood Protection Associates helps clients understand flood risks before construction begins.
Benefits include:
Supports planning applications.
Identifies potential flood risks early.
Recommends practical mitigation measures.
Assesses multiple flood sources.
Helps reduce planning delays.
Provides evidence-based technical reporting.
What Regulations Apply to Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments are prepared with reference to UK planning policy and flood risk guidance. The Flood Protection Associates considers the National Planning Policy Framework, Planning Practice Guidance on Flood Risk and Coastal Change, and guidance published by the Environment Agency where applicable.
Reports are also prepared to address requirements issued by local planning authorities and, where relevant, Lead Local Flood Authorities.
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Level 1 or Level 2 Flood Risk Assessment take?
Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments are typically completed within 1 to 4 weeks, depending on project complexity, available information and whether additional technical analysis is required.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments?
Level 1 Flood Risk Assessments provide an initial strategic review using existing flood information. Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments provide more detailed technical analysis where greater flood risk or planning requirements justify further investigation.
Are Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments required for planning applications?
Some planning applications require Level 1 or Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments where flood risk could affect the development. Local planning authority requirements depend on the site's location, proposed use and identified flood hazards.
Can mitigation measures be included within the assessment?
Yes. Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments can include practical mitigation recommendations such as finished floor levels, drainage improvements, flood resilience measures and site layout changes where appropriate.
How long is a Flood Risk Assessment valid?
A Flood Risk Assessment remains relevant while site conditions and flood risk information remain substantially unchanged. If planning is delayed for several years or flood data changes, an updated assessment may be recommended.
Get a Free Quote for Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments
The Flood Protection Associates prepares Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments for developments across the UK, with forming one of the areas served. Contact the team to discuss your project and receive a tailored quotation.
Related Level 1 & Level 2 Flood Risk Assessments Services
Strategic flood studies are often undertaken alongside Flood Risk Assessments to support planning applications for larger developments.
Where a more detailed site review is required, our site-specific flood risk assessments provide tailored technical analysis.
Flood zone developments may also require Sequential Test and Exception Test reports to satisfy planning policy.
Technical modelling through flood modelling and hydraulic modelling provides additional evidence where complex flood behaviour must be assessed.
Our hydrology and hydraulic assessments help evaluate catchment characteristics and water movement across development sites.
Future resilience is strengthened through climate change allowance assessments, ensuring flood risk reflects current planning guidance.