Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage

Impact Assessment:

Planning Guidance for Developers

Development and Regeneration Services

Glasgow City Council
229 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1QU

May 2011
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................- 3 -
2. Flood Risk Assessments ........................................................................................- 3 -
2.1. Background ......................................................................................................... - 3 -
2.2. Content................................................................................................................ - 4 -
2.3. Base Data Requirements...................................................................................... - 4 -
2.4. Methodology used in carrying out the assessment................................................ - 5 -
2.5. Hydrological methods used in the assessment. ..................................................... - 5 -
2.6. Conclusions......................................................................................................... - 6 -
2.7. FRA Check list .................................................................................................... - 7 -
3. Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA).......................................................................- 8 -
3.1. Background ......................................................................................................... - 8 -
3.2. Content................................................................................................................ - 8 -
3.3. Surface Water Drainage..................................................................................... - 10 -
3.4. Wastewater Drainage......................................................................................... - 10 -
3.5. Approvals.......................................................................................................... - 11 -
3.6. Building Control................................................................................................ - 11 -
3.7. Integrated Infrastructure .................................................................................... - 11 -
3.8. Drainage Impact Assessment Check List ........................................................... - 12 -
4. Planning Requirements........................................................................................- 12 -
4.1. Compliance Certificate Requirements................................................................ - 12 -
4.2. Independent Check Certificate........................................................................... - 13 -
4.3. SSP February 2010 (Paras 196 211) Operational Protocol............................... - 13 -
5. Appendix A.........................................................................................................- 14 -
6. Appendix B .........................................................................................................- 15 -
7. Appendix C....................................................................................................................- 16 -
8. Appendix D ...................................................................................................................- 17 -
1. Introduction
This guidance has been produced by Glasgow City Council to assist developers and consulting
engineers produce Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Drainage Impact Assessments
(DIAs). In an attempt to reduce the amount of flooding which affects new developments,
national policies and the statutory development plan now require additional information and
evidence, including FRA and DIA, to accompany planning applications. By following this
guidance it is anticipated that submitted assessments will be comprehensive, clear and concise.

Glasgow City Council now operate a mandatory self certification scheme for any
residential development comprising more than 5 dwelling and for industrial or
commercial developments of more than 250m2. The scheme requirements are set out in
Section 4.

2. Flood Risk Assessments

2.1. Background

Currently a FRA has to be submitted along with a planning application depending on the
location, size and type of development. Under new guidance from Glasgow City Council an
assessment is now required for any residential development comprising more than 5 dwelling
and for industrial or commercial developments of more than 250m2. Any development
identified by Glasgow City Council to be in a sensitive location will also require an
assessment.

A key requirement for a FRA is that it must consider all sources of flooding and demonstrate
how flood mitigation methods will be managed. The FRA will be required to certify that any
flood risk associated with the development can be managed now and in the future, taking into
account climate change and illustrate how the development will not increase the risk of
flooding elsewhere. The FRA should be produced under the direction of a member of the
relevant chartered professional institution with experience of flood risk assessment and
management.

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 2.2. Content
It is essential that FRAs are completed to a highly proficient standard, contain only relevant
information and cover all site specific issues.
The detail and technical complexity of a FRA will reflect the scale and potential significance of
the study but, in all cases, whenever a FRA is undertaken for any location, the resulting report
should address, as a minimum, the following requirements:

Base Data Requirements;

Methodology used in carrying out the assessment;
Hydrological methods used in the assessment;
Conclusions.

There are a number of professional guidelines produced by recognised bodies which are
designed as a reference for the implementation of good practice in the assessment of flood risk.
See Appendix A for details.

2.3. Base Data Requirements

The report should include:

Geo-referenced location plans;

Proximity to nearest watercourse;
Plan of site illustrating Ordnance Datum levels to a recognised scale;
Good use of photographs illustrating important features such as culverts etc;
If appropriate, information of current flood alleviation measures including the level of
protection and condition;
Identification of the ownership of any water related structures and assessment of their
condition;
Information of past flood events; photographs, levels, trends;
Clear drawings, plans and maps to a recognised scale relevant to the site;

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 2.4. Methodology used in carrying out the assessment.
When completing a FRA, the methodology followed should be in line with industry standards
and best practice. This includes:

A summary of the type or source of any present flooding risk;

All technical records and datasets derived from the Flood Estimation Handbook;
Details of flood mitigation methods, the proposals and the effects of the planned
solution;
All data must be reported against relevant standards set by SEPA, Scottish Water and
Glasgow City Council policy;

Note: Any solutions or flood prevention measures should include sustainable drainage systems.

2.5. Hydrological methods used in the assessment.

To ensure a complete FRA, the reporting of any modelling study is compulsory and should
address important issues to an appropriate level of detail.

In the event that hydrological and/or hydraulic modelling is required it is important to ensure
that the appropriate method has been chosen and explained in the FRA, justifying how the
chosen model will accurately reflect the complexity of the hydrological processes.
All modelling should be completed using recognised industry software to determine design
water levels and a sensitivity analysis undertaken to determine the sensitivity of design water
levels with regards to the key model parameters. (e.g. design flow and roughness).

The FRA should determine the appropriate design flows and levels of any potential flooding in
or around the proposed site including a flooding assessment of all watercourses, drains or
sewers which are proposed or exist on the development.

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The report must demonstrate that the development will not be affected by a storm event of the
appropriate rainfall return period detailed in City Plan and SPP February 2010 (Paragraphs
196 211). It must also illustrate that there shall be no adverse affect on any watercourse and
that flooding will not be increased in the surrounding area upstream and downstream as a result
of the development.
Each FRA should be unique to the site it describes. The length and complexity lies with the
author however, where appropriate, addition details may include:

A plan and description of any structures that may influence local hydraulics. This will
include bridges and pipes/ducts crossing the watercourses together with culverts,
screens, embankments or walls, overgrown or collapsing channels and their likelihood
of choking with debris;
All culverts, detailing condition and capacity;
Any property and/or environment that will be affected by various degrees of flooding;
An assessment of the return periods or probabilities including any observed trends and
the extent and depth of floods for the location and, if appropriate, routes and speed of
water-flow. At this stage, best estimates, based on the most up-to-date findings, should
also be made of climate change impacts on probabilities;
An estimation of the volume of water which would be displaced from the site during
various flood events both during and following development of the site;
Brief assessment/summary on the impact on river or coastal ecology, if applicable.
More important issues should be included in a separate EIA (Environmental Impact
Assessment);
An assessment of the potential impact of any development on fluvial or coastal
morphology and on the likely longer-term stability and sustainability;
An assessment of the capacity of any drains or sewers, existing or proposed, on the site
during various flood events and mitigation measures if required;
Taking into account projected climate change, details illustrating how the development
meets an acceptable standard of flood protection for the design life of the development.

2.6. Conclusions

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The conclusions should include a summary of the findings detailing any recommendations that
have been made. The report should also indicate how all flood risks have been identified and
appropriately mitigated. The plans of the development should clearly take cognisance of these
conclusions.

2.7. FRA Check list

The development will not be at risk or susceptible to damage due to flooding within the
parameters set in City Plan and SPP February 2010;
Normal operation of the development will not be susceptible to disruption as a result of
flooding from the appropriate event;
Safe access to and from the development will be possible during the appropriate design
flood event;
The development will not increase flood risk anywhere else;
The development will provide for safe access for maintenance of watercourses or
maintenance and operation of flood defences by the Glasgow City Council;
The development will not lead to the degradation of the environment;
The development will meet all the outlined criteria for its entire lifetime including
consideration for climate change.

To complete a comprehensive assessment the developer must:

Be aware of all the relevant planning policy and legislation;

Complete technically accurate calculations;
Follow professional guidelines and procedures;
Certify that flooding will not pose a risk to the development;
Complete the required Compliance and Independent Check Certificate;
Submit evidence of appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance.

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3. Drainage Impact Assessment (DIA)
3.1. Background

A DIA is a report, prepared by the developer, demonstrating the drainage issues relevant to a
proposal and the suitable means of providing drainage. Due to the increase of impermeable
area, action is required to deal with the reduction in storage, therefore any proposed drainage
infrastructure should look to protect the site from flooding and also remove all waste effluent.

Drainage design is a complex process so it is important that all drainage matters are considered
at an early stage in the design process. It is therefore required that a DIA is submitted with the
first planning application, whether planning application or application in principle, for any
development which requires waste or surface water to be drained. It is also recommended that a
pre-application meeting takes place for larger schemes and, when located in sensitive areas,
discuss plans for the site and any potential drainage issues. Sewers for Scotland - 2nd edition,
also states that for all developments at an early stage before a DIA is submitted, the developer
should consult with Scottish Water on appropriate SUDs (sustainable urban drainage) system
design and the practical aspects of servicing the development.1

3.2. Content
A Drainage Impact Assessment will be required to be submitted for any residential
development comprising more than 5 dwelling and for industrial or commercial developments
of more than 250m2. Any development identified by Glasgow City Council to be in a sensitive
location will also require an assessment. The submitted DIA is required to meet the following
basic requirements and any additional site specific requirements specified by Glasgow City
Council.

1
Sewers for Scotland 2nd Edition, Page 5, General Principles and Guidance 10

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Requirements may include:

An examination of the current and historical drainage patterns;

A concept drawing of the development;
An outline drawing of how the drainage design provides sustainable drainage
techniques in accordance with recognised design manuals;
The soil classification of the site;
Evidence of subsoil porosity tests including where possible at the location of any
intended infiltration device and the proximity of the winter water table;
Calculations showing that post development peak run-off volumes do not exceed that
for pre-development for the critical rainfall event;
Demonstration that the drainage solution selected will ensure that properties on and off
the proposed site are not at risk of flooding from the appropriate rainfall return period
relevant to the categories of development specified in City Plan Policy ENV 4
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS), Policy ENV 5-Flood Prevention and Land
Drainage and Sewers for Scotland 2nd edition;
Details of the accountable body responsible for vesting and maintenance for individual
aspects of the drainage proposals and confirmation in writing that these bodies will
vest/adopt the system;
Wastewater drainage proposals and confirmation in writing that they will vest in
Scottish Water.

In line with Flood Risk Assessments there are a number of professional guidelines produced by
recognised bodies which are designed as a reference for the implementation of good practice
when completing a Drainage Impact Assessment. See Appendix B for details.

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 3.3. Surface Water Drainage
The DIA should demonstrate that the surface water drainage system takes account of SUDS
principles in accordance with current legislation and guidelines such as Design Manuals for
Scotland and Northern Ireland and the specification set out within Sewers for Scotland 2 nd
Edition. The SUDS principles must also conform, as a minimum, to the basic level of treatment
control outlined within the General Binding Rules of the Controlled Activities Regulations
2005 and be approved by SEPA and or Scottish Water.

The DIA should demonstrate, using up to date techniques, that the rate and volume of surface
water runoff from the post-development situation does not exceed the greenfield surface water
runoff from the existing site. More importantly, the proposed method used for drainage should
ensure that there is no increase to the probability of flooding within the receiving watercourse
and local area, upstream or downstream from the site. Additionally, surface water runoff
should be managed to minimise pollutants reaching the receiving watercourses. Further
guidance may be obtained from SEPA. The requirements for drainage should be taken into
account when determining the overall layout of the development. For large developments
where there is an intention to separate the development into zones, which are to be constructed
at different stages, or by different developers, it is a requirement that a drainage master plan
covering the whole area of development be submitted.

In the event of a design exceedance, the DIA should give an assessment and consideration of
the flood flow route for the appropriate return period flood event and should show that there
will be no detriment to land or property as a result of overland flow caused by the
development.

3.4. Wastewater Drainage

Where the development will lead to the production of wastewater, a DIA must include a
section on wastewater drainage. The assessment should examine the availability of public
sewers to carry wastewater from the development and should include copies of all
correspondence with Scottish Water including their approval in principle to connect to the local
network.

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Any discharge to existing networks should not increase the occurrence of flooding or
surcharging to the existing sewer network. Consideration should also be given for the potential
for effluent to discharge during severe storm events into adjacent watercourses via combined
sewer overflows and the impact this may have on the receiving watercourse. The DIA should
also address what measures are in place to ensure that during construction there will be no
cross connections leading to contamination of surface water sewers.

3.5. Approvals

Throughout the planning process the DIA will form the basis of statutory consultation with the
appropriate bodies:

Scottish Water (drainage connection consent);

Glasgow City Council (planning permission and road construction consent);
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (CAR licences/conditional prohibition
notice).

3.6. Building Control

Glasgow City Council, as a building standards authority, must be satisfied that adequate
provision has been made for drainage and flood risk. Any proposed scheme should be designed
and constructed to meet the technical standards for compliance with the Building Standards
(Scotland) Regulations 2002.

3.7. Integrated Infrastructure

Glasgow City Council wishes to promote the most effective use of space in the delivery of
necessary infrastructure within a development. Where appropriate, Glasgow City Council will
consider a departure from normal vesting standards used for SUDS. Such a departure will,
however, require to be discussed in detail at an early stage.

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 3.8. Drainage Impact Assessment Check List

Any proposed drainage designs must, to a minimum, conform to the relevant

specifications outlined in Sewers for Scotland-2nd Edition and must also comply with
General Binding Rules issued by SEPA;
The proposals must address the cumulative impact on infrastructure capacity of
incremental growth of impermeable surfaces by not increasing the quantity and rate of
surface water run-off from any site;
Any flows that are to be discharged to a watercourse must have the appropriate
permission from SEPA and Glasgow City Council;
Submissions must include information on foul and surface water drainage and must
show that Scottish Water and the appropriate authorities have been consulted.
For large developments where there is an intention to separate the development into
zones, which are to be constructed at different stages, or by different developers, a
drainage master plan covering the whole area of development is submitted.

A Drainage Impact Assessment should be undertaken by a competent professional. It is

recommended that a DIA should be carried out under the direction of a member of the relevant
chartered professional institution, with experience of drainage impact assessment and
management.

4. Planning Requirements

4.1. Compliance Certificate Requirements

Glasgow City Council requires the applicant or the suitably qualified agent to certify that the
Flood Risk Assessment and/or Drainage Impact Assessments have been carried out in
accordance with this guidance, relevant documents and legislation (See Appendix A and B),
using the Assessment Compliance Certificate (Appendix C).

Glasgow City Council also requires that Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained for the
level of five million pounds (5,000,000) for each and every claim. Evidence will take the form
of a copy of the insurance policy, certificate of insurance and evidence that all premiums are
paid and up to date for a minimum of 10 years.

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 4.2. Independent Check Certificate
It is a requirement that all submitted assessments are verified by an independent check process.
This secondary check must be completed by an organisation which is entirely independent
from the author. The Independent Check Certificate (Appendix D) must be completed by a
competent professional who is a member of the relevant chartered professional institution, or
equivalent, with experience of flood risk and drainage impact assessment and management.

The independent check shall confirm that the correct methodology and procedures have been
followed and that all risks have been accounted for. It is the responsibility of the author to
ensure that all detailed calculations and computations are technically accurate. The independent
checker shall not be responsible for checking calculations.

4.3. SSP February 2010 (Paras 196 211) Operational Protocol

Any Applicant or Agent submitting a flood risk or drainage impact assessment for any
residential development of more than 5 dwellings and for industrial and commercial
developments of more than 250m2 without an Independent Check Certificate would be notified
of the operational protocol and required to provide self certification in the form set out by the
Council guidance.

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5. Appendix A

Flood Risk Assessment Reference Documents

Scottish Planning Policy 2010 (Paragraphs 196 211);

Planning Advice Note 51: Planning, Environmental Protection and Regulation;
Planning Advice Note 61: Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems;
Planning Advice Note 69: Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding;
Planning Advice Note 79: Water and Drainage;
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Technical Flood Risk Guidance for
Stakeholders;
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Flood Risk Assessment checklist;
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Policy No 22: Flood Risk Assessment
Strategy;
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Policy No 26: Policy on the Culverting of
Watercourses;
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Policy No 41: Development at Risk of
Flooding: Advice and Consultation;
Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (As amended)
(the Controlled Activities Regulations);
CIRIA C697: The SUDS Manual;
CIRIA C698: Site Handbook for the Construction of SUDS;
CIRIA C624: Development and Flood Risk- Guidance for the Construction Industry;
CIRIA R168: Culvert Design Manual;

And to such other documents, statutory guidance and/or legislation that are in force at the
date of submission.

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6. Appendix B
Drainage Impact Assessment Reference Documents

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. Design manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland
CIRIA Report C521, London ;
Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Planning Advice Note PAN 61,
The Scottish Executive, 2001;
SPP February 2010 (Paragraphs 196 211);
Ponds, pools and lochans- Guidance on good practice in the management and creation
of small waterbodies in Scotland SEPA;
Disposal of Sewage Where No Mains Drainage is Available: PPG4, SEPA;
Safety at Inland Water Sites RoSPA, Birmingham;
Control of Water Pollution From Construction Sites - Guidance For Constructors And
Contractors CIRIA Report 532, London;
Working at Construction and Demolition Sites: PPG6, SEPA;
Sewers for Scotland 2nd Edition WRc, Nov 2007;
The Wallingford Procedure UK Edition, Wallingford;
The Wallingford Procedure Europe Edition, Wallingford;
Flood Estimation Handbook, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford;
BRE Digest 365, Building Research Establishment;
Scope For Control of Urban Runoff CIRIA Report 123, London;
Infiltration Drainage Manual of Good Practice CIRIA Report 156, London;
Flood Studies Report, NERC, London;
Manual of River Restoration Techniques River Restoration Centre;
Natural Heritage National Planning Policy Guidance NPPG 14;
Watercourses in the community SEPA;
Culverting, an agenda for action SEPA;
Returning Watercourses to the community ICE;
Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding, Planning Advice Note 69, The
Scottish Executive, 2004.

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7. Appendix C

Assessment Compliance Certificate

I certify that all reasonable skill, care and attention to be expected of a qualified and
experienced professional in this field has been exercised in carrying out the attached Flood
Risk Assessment / Drainage Impact Assessment* (delete if applicable). The report/s have been
prepared for the below named development in accordance with the reporting requirements
issued by Glasgow City Council.

Name of Development ________________________________

Address of Development ________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Name of Developer ________________________________

Planning Application No. ________________________________

Name and Address of

Organisation preparing this
Assessment ________________________________

________________________________

Signed ________________________________

Name ________________________________

Position Held ________________________________

________________________________
Engineering Qualification of
person responsible for preparing ________________________________ (1)
this Assessment

Date ________________________________

Note: 1 C.Eng from an appropriate Chartered Engineering Institution.

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8. Appendix D

Independent Check Certificate

I certify that all reasonable skill, care and attention to be expected of a qualified and
experienced professional in this field has been exercised in checking the attached Flood Risk
Assessment / Drainage Impact Assessment* (delete if applicable) for the below named
development.

Name of Development ________________________________

Address of Development ________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Name of Developer ________________________________

Name and Address of
Organisation providing check ________________________________(1)

________________________________

Signed ________________________________

Name ________________________________

Position Held ________________________________

________________________________
Engineering Qualification of
person responsible for checking ________________________________ (2)
this Assessment

Date ________________________________

Note: 1 - Organisation to be totally independent of original designer/design organisation.

2 - C.Eng from an appropriate Chartered Engineering Institution.

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