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Flood risk consultation to support pre-acquisition technical due-diligence to support sale or purchase of sites
Pre-Acquisition Flood Risk Consultation
Investors, developers and asset managers increasingly require a clear understanding of flood risk before purchasing or selling land or property. Whether the site is greenfield, brownfield, or an operational commercial asset, early insight into flood risk constraints can significantly influence investment decisions, development viability and long term ownership responsibilities.
The team at RAB has extensive experience providing Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), flood investigations, flood risk modelling, defence inspections and drainage advice. Our Pre Acquisition Flood Risk Consultation service draws on this expertise to deliver robust, clear and commercially focused due diligence.
Get in touch to request a quote or to discuss your requirements.
Alternatively, continue browsing our flood investigation service below to learn more.
Request a call back to discuss your due diligence analysis enquiry with the team at RAB.
HOW IT WORKS
Pre‑Acquisition Flood Risk & Drainage Review (Due Diligence)
Understanding Requirements and Scope of Work
Our work is tailored to the site, client objectives, risk profile and available budget. We begin by understanding:
- Site type and proposed use (commercial, residential, industrial, mixed‑use).
- Acquisition purpose – investment, redevelopment, long‑term asset management.
- Client priorities such as planning prospects, insurability, long‑term maintenance liabilities, and exit strategy.
- Known flood risk indicators, including Environment Agency or privately sourced mapping.
We will then work with you to agree a proportionate and relevant scope of work.
Research and Data Collection
A robust review of data and evidence is the foundation of pre‑acquisition due‑diligence. Typical activities include:
- Site‑Specific Information: review of available site data, topographic surveys, historic information and previous reports, and a walkover survey.
- Environment Agency / Council Flood Risk Management Strategy Review: existing and proposed flood defence schemes, current and potential future flood models, known strategic issues that may affect flood risk or planning constraints.
- Planning & Local Authority Review: latest Local Council planning documents, policies and guidance, relevant Local Flood Risk Management Strategies (LFRMS), Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRAs), and related studies.
Flood Risk Assessment
Using the best available (typically Environment Agency) modelled data, we assess the site’s inherent risk. Key tasks include:
- Understanding flood mechanisms affecting the site.
- Mapping flood probability, extent, depth, velocity, rate of onset and duration using topographic data.
- Identifying benefits and limitations of existing flood defences, potentially including an appraisal of condition by qualified, experienced asset inspectors.
This stage provides a first indication of development constraints or operational vulnerabilities.
We will then consider residual risks such as the failure of flood defences and exceedance of drainage systems. This helps clients understand low‑probability but high‑impact scenarios relevant for insurance, resilience planning and long‑term asset obligations.
Flood Risk Management
Where appropriate, we can recommend a realistic and proportionate approach to flood risk management:
- Avoid / Substitute Risk: Sequential approach to masterplanning or reconfiguration of an existing facility, understanding whether a Sequential Test and Exception Test may be triggered for planning.
- Control Risk: Flood defences, ground raising, finished floor level strategy, and sustainable Drainage Systems.
- Mitigate Residual Risks: Property‑level resilience, and flood emergency response planning.
Reporting and Communication
All outputs are provided in a clear, concise Pre‑Acquisition Flood Risk & Drainage Consultation Report, typically covering:
- Summary of findings.
- Appraisal of flood risk from all sources.
- Planning implications and recommended next steps.
- Preliminary mitigation and resilience measures.
- Key uncertainties and potential future work.
If appropriate, we can follow up with a project presentation and QA session.
CONTACT US
Ready to discuss your project with the experts?
Our friendly and professional team are available to answer any queries you may have about flood investigation and arrange a quote for you – free of charge.
WHY CHOOSE US
Working with RAB
A passionate and dedicated team
All of the specialist knowledge required to deliver the best solutions for your project, in house.
National project coverage
Thanks to multiple office locations, we’re able to serve clients nationwide. We even deliver projects internationally.
A highly bespoke service offering
Your circumstances and requirements are unique, so we tailor our services to achieve better project outcomes.
Leading the industry
We’re a team of innovators, always keen to challenge existing methods to achieve the best possible results.
15 years of quality
RAB have built an established reputation for high quality work and outstanding customer service.
Doncaster Borough Flood Resilience Grants
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Flood Risk Assessment and Detailed Drainage Design for a small residential development in Nuneaton
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Business change recommendations to enable Northamptonshire County Council to implement new duties under the Flood and Water Management Act
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Flood risk and surface water drainage assessments for 8 sites in Shropshire to obtain Code for Sustainable Homes credits (SUR1 & SUR2)
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Independent Property Level Flood Protection surveys for individual householders and communities
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A conceptual surface water SUDS drainage design for a proposed school in Bedfordshire
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A detailed sustainable drainage design for a proposed commercial facility in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
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DISCOVER MORE
Discover More Flood Risk Services
Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) places a duty on Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA) to undertake a flood investigation after a ‘significant’ flood event, to the extent that it considers necessary or appropriate. A section 19 flood investigation report is a public statement of the circumstances of a flood event and which parties have a role in managing the risks involved.
RAB have successfully completed many section 19 reports for local authorities and always collaborate with the local community, eye-witnesses and Risk Management Authorities. Our team always strive to clearly explain the causes and issues surrounding a flood event, as well as making recommendations towards possible solutions.
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RAB are able to provide Expert Witness Reports in line with insurers and court requirements, for example Civil Procedure Rules Part 35. Expert witness services play a critical role in flood investigation reports by providing authoritative and credible testimony regarding the findings and conclusions of the investigation.
Our experienced team possesses specialized knowledge and expertise in flood incidents, allowing us to offer valuable insights in legal and regulatory contexts.
We provide objective and unbiased assessments of the flood investigation, supporting legal arguments, insurance claims, or any other relevant case that requires expert opinion.
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With a government target to better protect at least 300,000 homes, it’s important money is invested wisely to provide benefit to as many properties as possible. We support Risk Management Authorities to prepare Outline Business Cases in accordance with the “Multi-Coloured manual” for funding approval.
Outline business cases in the context of flood investigation services provide a strategic framework for evaluating and justifying flood risk management and mitigation investments. By assessing the costs, benefits, and potential returns on investment, these cases help stakeholders understand the financial implications of implementing flood management measures.
We apply a collaborative approach working closely with the client, Environment Agency, water authorities and other consultants involved in the process.
Our Resilience Director Bryan Nelson says:
“We understand the end to end partnership funding process and boast a 100% success rate in achieving partnership funding for Lead Local Flood Authority schemes.”
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By utilizing various data inputs, such as topography, rainfall patterns, and hydraulic characteristics, flood modelling enables a detailed understanding of flood dynamics, including flood extent, flow patterns, and potential inundation areas. This valuable tool enhances the accuracy and comprehensiveness of flood investigations, aiding in the identification of vulnerable areas, assessment of potential impacts, and development of effective flood management strategies.
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RAB offers homeowners comprehensive flood investigation reports to understand the causes, impacts, and dynamics of flooding incidents affecting their properties. Subjects range from advising homeowners about water logging of gardens, minor drainage deficiencies and more. Through data analysis, site assessments, and root cause identification, we deliver detailed reports that empower homeowners to make informed decisions for flood risk management and mitigation. Our recommendations are tailored to each homeowner’s specific circumstances, providing actionable measures to enhance property resilience and mitigate future flood risks.
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Related Services
Flood Investigation often form only part of the journey our clients take with us.
Learn more about the many services RAB offer to help increase resilience and reduce flood risk.
If you can’t find the service that you’re looking for, we might still be able to help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.
Outstanding service
“Yes we have got it through, thanks very much for getting that turned around in time!! Great job. Many thanks for all your help, I may be back in touch if we need a hand with conditions.”