Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports
Get in touchThe Flood Protection Associates prepares Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports for developments . The company supports planning applications by assessing flood risk policy requirements, demonstrating site suitability and helping applicants satisfy national and local planning guidance.
What Are Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports assess whether proposed developments meet planning policy relating to flood risk. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports that examine alternative sites, flood zones and planning requirements to help support sustainable development in accordance with national guidance.
The Sequential Test aims to direct development towards areas with the lowest flood risk wherever reasonably available. Where necessary, the Exception Test demonstrates that development can proceed safely while delivering wider sustainability benefits.
What Types of Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports Are Available?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports are tailored to the type of development, planning stage and flood risk classification. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports suitable for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
Sequential Test Reports – Assess alternative sites and demonstrate compliance with planning policy.
Exception Test Reports – Provide supporting evidence where the Exception Test is required.
Combined Sequential and Exception Test Reports – Address both requirements within a single submission.
Planning Support Reports – Prepared alongside Flood Risk Assessments and planning documentation.
Development-Specific Assessments – Tailored to individual planning proposals and site characteristics.
When Are Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports Needed?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports are commonly required when developments are proposed within areas of recognised flood risk. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports where local planning authorities request evidence that national planning policy has been satisfied.
Reports are often needed for residential developments, commercial buildings, mixed-use schemes, redevelopment projects and applications involving vulnerable land uses located within Flood Zones 2 or 3.
How Do Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports Work?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports follow a structured assessment process that typically takes between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the proposal and the supporting information available.
Review planning proposals and site details.
Assess flood zones and available alternative sites.
Apply Sequential Test methodology where required.
Prepare Exception Test evidence where applicable.
Produce a report suitable for planning submission.
Who Needs Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports assist developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners seeking planning permission. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports for projects ranging from individual developments to larger regeneration and commercial schemes.
Typical clients include:
Property developers
Planning consultants
Architects
Housebuilders
Commercial developers
Landowners
Public sector organisations
How Much Do Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports Cost?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports typically cost between £600 and £2,500+, depending on development size, planning complexity and the level of technical assessment required. The Flood Protection Associates provides project-specific quotations following an initial review.
Typical cost ranges include:
Small developments – from £600–£900
Medium residential or commercial projects – £900–£1,800
Large or complex developments – £1,800–£2,500+
Costs are influenced by site size, planning requirements, flood zone classification, supporting documentation and the scope of assessment required.
What Are the Benefits of Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports provide planning evidence that helps demonstrate compliance with flood risk policy. The Flood Protection Associates prepares reports that support informed planning decisions and reduce unnecessary delays.
Benefits include:
Supports planning applications.
Demonstrates compliance with planning policy.
Identifies suitable development locations.
Provides clear technical justification.
Complements Flood Risk Assessments.
Helps streamline planning submissions.
What Regulations Apply to Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports are prepared with reference to the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance for Flood Risk and Coastal Change. The Flood Protection Associates also considers Environment Agency guidance where appropriate, together with local planning authority policies relating to flood risk.
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Sequential Test?
A Sequential Test demonstrates whether a proposed development has been directed towards land with the lowest available flood risk. It compares suitable alternative sites where required under national planning policy.
When is an Exception Test required?
An Exception Test may be required when development is proposed within higher flood risk areas and planning policy requires additional justification. It considers wider sustainability benefits alongside flood safety measures.
How long does a Sequential Test & Exception Test Report take?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports are usually completed within 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the proposal, planning requirements and the availability of supporting information.
Can these reports be prepared alongside a Flood Risk Assessment?
Yes. Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports are frequently prepared alongside Flood Risk Assessments, allowing planning applications to include coordinated flood risk evidence within a single submission.
How long are Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports valid?
Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports generally remain suitable while planning policy, flood mapping and site circumstances remain unchanged. Updated reports may be recommended if significant changes occur before planning determination.
Get a Free Quote for Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports
The Flood Protection Associates prepares Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports for developments across the UK, with forming one of the areas served. Contact the team to discuss your planning requirements and receive a tailored quotation.
Related Sequential Test & Exception Test Reports Services
Sequential and Exception Tests are commonly prepared alongside Flood Risk Assessments to support planning applications within flood risk areas.
Detailed evidence from site-specific flood risk assessments helps demonstrate the suitability of development proposals.
Large or complex developments often require Level 1 and Level 2 flood risk assessments as supporting technical information.
Applications are strengthened by comprehensive drainage strategy and drainage statements, demonstrating effective water management.
Consultation with statutory authorities is supported through our Environment Agency and LLFA liaison service.
Once planning permission is granted, we can also provide planning condition discharge support to help satisfy flood-related planning conditions.