A major milestone has been achieved in the Small Communities (Derbyshire) Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Project, with the successful completion and delivery of the pre-installation design proposals. The project is focused on reducing flood risk for homes in Belper and Bakewell, Derbyshire.
RAB were appointed under the Environment Agency’s PFR Framework (Lot 1), have completed the pre-installation survey phase, which involved detailed flood risk assessments and tailored property surveys for 49 homes identified as being at significant or very significant flood risk. These properties, including a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, have been the focus of Phase 2 of the scheme.
As part of the pre-installation stage of the Small Communities (Derbyshire) PFR Project, each property was assessed using the 5Rs. The 5R’s are a hierarchy of flood resilience options that should be considered in turn to help identify the preferred solution, which may include elements of them all. This approach helps surveyors choose the most suitable flood resilience measures for each home. The 5Rs cover key areas such as how water reaches the property, how to keep it out, how to limit damage, and how to recover quickly after a flood. Recommendations are tailored to each property’s flood risk, structure, and how it’s used.
The table below explains the 5Rs used in the assessment:
| Description | Examples of Measures | |
| Realign | Redirecting floodwater pathways or adapting the building to make it less vulnerable. | SuDS, improved drainage, landscaping, boundary walls/gates; raising floors, mezzanine levels, room re-use. |
| Resistance | Preventing floodwater from entering the building through physical barriers or treatments. | Flood doors, airbrick covers, tanking, waterproof paint/mortar. |
| Reduce | Managing water that enters the building and minimising the impact. | Sump and puddle pumps, cavity drainage systems. |
| Recoverability | Using materials and methods that limit damage and speed up recovery after a flood. | Water-resistant flooring, recoverable kitchen units, raised sockets, flood-resilient skirting/doors. |
| Readiness | Preparing people and buildings to act before and during a flood to reduce harm. | Deploying resistance products, moving valuables, shutting off utilities, emergency planning and evacuation. |
The surveys and resulting design proposals identify bespoke Property Flood Resilience measures for each property, including resistance measures (e.g., flood doors, barriers, airbrick covers), recoverability features (e.g., sump pumps, flood-resilient finishes), and preparedness guidance for occupants.
With the pre-installation survey phase now complete, we’re moving confidently into the next stage. The design proposals are tailored to the needs of each home and represent the next step in helping these communities become more resilient to flooding.
With the design proposals now finalised and handed over, the project will move forward to the installation phase, during which flood resilience measures will be fitted at eligible properties by the appointed Lot 2 Delivery Partner. Following installation, post-installation audits will be carried out by RAB Consultants to ensure that all works meet the required specifications under the Property Flood Resilience Minimum Technical Requirements (MTR).
This project is part of the Environment Agency’s wider commitment to support at-risk communities through property-level interventions that enable residents to prepare for, respond to, and recover more effectively from flooding.
RAB deliver a wide range of flood risk, flood resilience and water drainage services for both public and private sector organisations. More information is available here on our website, or you can get in touch for an informal discussion on your specific project by email to enquiries@rabconsultants.co.uk or call our head office in Lichfield on 0330 223 6475.
