Protect the Community and Your Property

We provide flood risk assessments for property purchases, insurance, planning applications and development projects. Our assessments evaluate the likelihood, severity and duration of flooding, including potential impacts on emergency services. We provide the evidence required by local authorities and the Environment Agency to support planning and protect communities.

Assess Flood Risk

What You Need to Know About Flood Risk Assessments

They are an important part of urban planning, infrastructure development and community safety. Our assessments identify potential sources of flooding, how a site may be affected and help determine appropriate measures to reduce risk.
According to DEFRA, 1 in 6 properties in Cornwall are at risk of flooding: approximately 5,000 from tidal flooding, 12,000 from river flooding and 29,000 from surface water flooding. Devon has also been ranked among the most flood-exposed counties in the UK.

flooded area with worker walking with bike and equipment

What Our Flood Risk Assessment Covers

Steep, fast-responding catchments and a long exposed coastline make flooding in Cornwall and Devon distinctive. Atlantic rainfall falls on hard granite and slate, shedding water quickly into narrow valleys and historic harbour towns, while spring tides and storm surges can push back through estuaries.

These conditions create significant flash-flood and drainage challenges, meaning surface water and flood risk are closely scrutinised during planning.

Every Flood Source Considered

The Environment Agency manages risk from main rivers, the sea and reservoirs, while Lead Local Flood Authorities manage surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. In Cornwall, this is Cornwall Council; in Devon, Devon County Council.

We consider every credible source, including:

Rivers and estuaries
Tidal and coastal flooding
Surface water
Groundwater
Sewers
Ordinary watercourses
Reservoirs and artificial sources

This covers fluvial, coastal, tidal, pluvial and other relevant flood mechanisms.

Built Around National & Local Planning Policy

Our assessments are carried out following the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Local Planning Authority requirements. Where a development falls within Flood Zone 2 or 3, we provide Sequential Test and Exception Test support where required. Climate change allowances are applied in line with current environmental guidance.

The Environment Agency and Local Planning Authorities use Flood Zones to classify the probability of flooding, from Flood Zone 1 (low probability) to Flood Zone 3 (high probability). Our assessment confirms the zone applicable to your site and its implications for your application.

Joined up with Your Drainage Strategy

We integrate each assessment with your surface water and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategy, liaising with the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority and Local Planning Authority where required.

We can negotiate flood risk issues on your behalf and support you through the planning process, including an appeal where necessary.

A Report You Can Submit with Confidence

Where risk is identified, we provide recommendations for flood resistance and resilience measures, together with a full written report suitable for submission with a planning application or use by your solicitor, insurer or lender.

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Who Needs a Flood Risk Assessment in Cornwall or Devon?

Most developments in Flood Zones 2 or 3, or on sites of 1 hectare or more in Flood Zone 1, will require a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). An FRA may also be needed for smaller Flood Zone 1 sites where there is a surface water risk, or where the site is within a Critical Drainage Area.

If a required report is missing, the council may refuse the application or put it on hold pending further information.

A flood risk assessment may be relevant to:

• Developers and homeowners submitting a planning application for a site in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or over 1 hectare in Flood Zone 1.
• Property owners extending, converting or changing the use of property in a flood risk area.
• Property buyers and solicitors carrying out pre-purchase due diligence.
• Businesses and property owners needing evidence of flood risk and resilience for insurers or lenders.
• Parish councils and community groups assessing flood risk to local infrastructure.

Why Choose Premier Water Solutions?

• We have direct, established working relationships with the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies.
• Since 2009, we have worked in wastewater, drainage and environmental water management.
• We work across Cornwall and Devon with first-hand knowledge of local catchments, ground conditions and planning authorities.
• Our work is led by Louisa Child CEnv MCIWEM MISEP – a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager.
• We offer full in-house capability, providing a single point of contact from initial assessment through to any necessary remedial works.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Terry Mason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Wife and I have had the pleasure of working with Louisa, and Premier Water Solutions, for over 15 years. On at least five separate properties, Louisa and her team have always been able to produce a very cost-effective solution for us for complex problems. I highly recommend this company to you.
  
 
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   Julia Newnham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Premier water solutions have been amazing from design to maintenance for the last 5 years. solving frustrating problems, with a highly professional attitude. We live in a difficult area and all the issues that are raised are dealt with really well. The original installation was smooth and explained to me really well  Highly recommended.
  
 
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   Steven Mccabe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Louisa has been a god send to a hgv driver who doesn’t know the area allowed me to follow her to my destination she was absolutely amazing
  
 
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   J M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Louisa and her team have been a huge help from the start to the finish of our project. We really couldn’t have done it without her. I therefore highly recommend her services.
  
 
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   Philip Wilkes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From start to finish the team were friendly, helpful, professional and very hard working. They handled every detail from start to completion,  liaising with relevant agencies as needed, which took all of the stress away from us. Everything was done to a high standard and with minimum disruption. We would not hesitate to use them again and to recommend to others.
  
 
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   Tim Hill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an issue with my water treatment plant and PWS could not have been more helpful in fixing it.  They were able to come out and assess the problem in a matter of days, and what impressed me the most was that I received a report with photos about the issue and what could be done to fix it.  It was only a few more days until they came out again and resolved everything.  All the way through the process the communication was good and the pricing structure was clear.  I had two informative and professional calls from the technician Mike which was really appreciated.  It was refreshing to work with a trade that respected the customer enough to keep them informed in such a way.  I'd highly recommend
  
 
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   Judith Bennetts 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very professional, knowledgeable team. Would recommend their services from initial enquiry to final installation
  
 
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   Stella's LIFE 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend PWS. Great service and team
  
 
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   Mike Child 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great management of the scheme and delivery of the project on time and in budget. Would highly recommend PWS to anyone Thanks again