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Flood risk & drainage assessments

Identifying issues with potential sources of flooding, providing flood mitigation and drainage recommendations

We offer in-house expertise to identify and address water environment-related constraints that could impact scheme delivery

From early feasibility through to planning and implementation, we provide strategic, solution-led advice on consenting and regulatory requirements, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) integration, flood risk assessments, drainage strategies, and water management. We deliver these services exclusively to the utility and infrastructure sector across the UK and Ireland.

Our approach is rooted in pragmatic, catchment-wide thinking - factoring in water source protection, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), nature-based solutions, SuDs and land use efficiencies. We ensure alignment with UK policy, legislation and our clients’ internal sustainability targets. As a result, our work is key to support planning applications and delivery strategies.

We cover the following:

  • Permit applications for water abstraction permit applications
  • Water discharge permit applications
  • Flood risk activity permits

Our team also provides expert support to statutory undertakers. We help them to navigate the complex regulatory landscape surrounding works on or near rivers.

Where detailed technical input is required, we work with trusted suppliers to deliver river modelling, attenuation calculations, and drainage design. 

Concrete blocks piled on the edge of a body of water, partially submerged in waves.

“We find practical, feasible, and sustainable solutions, delivering projects efficiently while safeguarding the water environment.”

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Our services

Flood risk assessment services to support planning

Comprehensive flood risk assessments

Assessment of potential development impact on flood risk with recommendations to ensure no adverse impact

Drainage assessments & strategies

Assessment of potential development impact on drainage with strategic recommendations for surface water management

Regulatory consent support

Flood risk activity permits

Preparation of applications to carry out works to or near main rivers, supporting Environment Agency permit processes

Ordinary watercourse consents

Preparation of applications for works to ordinary watercourses, managing local authority consent processes

Support to statutory undertakers

Exemption advice

Identifying activities that may qualify for exemptions under environmental permitting regulations, helping clients avoid unnecessary delays and costs

Standard rules permits

Assisting with the interpretation and application of standard rules permits to ensure compliance while streamlining approval processes

Protected undertaker rights

Advising on the exercise of statutory rights to carry out essential works near watercourses, with reference to key legislation

Permits, consents & licences

Flood risk activity permits

Preparation of applications to carry out works to or near main rivers, supporting Environment Agency (EA) permit processes

Ordinary watercourse consents

Preparation of applications for works to ordinary watercourses, managing lead local flood authority consent processes

Abstraction licences

Preparation of applications for abstracting water a river, stream, lake canal or groundwater source.  Supporting the EA permit/licence process

Discharge permits

Preparation of applications for discharge consent permit from the EA to release wastewater effluent into surface water or groundwater

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDs)

SuDs technique advisory service

Recommendations and support for early-stage concept development and strategic thinking. Identifying possible interventions, SuDs planning strategy and delivery

Your service specialist

If your project may have flood risks or drainage issues, we can help.

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Environment & Planning

Caroline Morris

Director
C.WEM

Specialising in management of multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental projects, with technical expertise in water, drainage, BNG, planning, and EIA

Contact Caroline
  • 01

    Ecology services

    Specialist ecological consultants, we undertake ecological assessments, habitat surveys, and biodiversity net gain assessments within the UK and Ireland

    Learn more
  • 02

    Acquisition, consents & compensation

    At DM, we act as a specialist bridge between developers, landowners, regulators and communities

    Learn more
  • 03

    Stakeholder Engagement

    Building and managing your reputation to establish trust and inspire confidence

    Learn more