Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

In Spring 2007 Scott Wilson consultancy was commissioned by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) to undertake a sub-regional Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). The Greater Manchester SFRA assesses flood risk arising from all sources and sets out potential mitigation and management measures to assist in preparing local development documents, determining planning applications and emergency planning.

The sub-regional Greater Manchester Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Level 1 was agreed in August 2008. It identifies broad flood risk arising from all sources within the Borough. Please view the AGMA website for relevant documentation:

AGMA website - Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

In June 2009 JBA consultancy was appointed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council and Trafford Council to undertake a joint Level 2/Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for their areas. This detailed work within Trafford examined the risk of flooding from the River Mersey, Sinderland Brook catchment, the Manchester Ship and Bridgewater Canals, the sewer network, surface water run-off and groundwater.

The Manchester, Salford and Trafford Level 2/Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has now been agreed as an independent analysis of the risk posed by flooding from all sources in the study area. A joint statement has been prepared by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford Council and the Environment Agency and the final reports published.

Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford Council and Environment Agency SFRA Joint Statement (May 2011)

Manchester City, Salford City and Trafford Councils Level 2 Hybrid SFRA - LEVEL 1 SFRA (March 2010)

Manchester City, Salford City and Trafford Councils Level 2 Hybrid SFRA - LEVEL 2 SFRA (March 2011)

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment User Guide (May 2010)

The final maps and mapping index for the Manchester, Salford and Trafford Strategic Flood Risk Assessment are also available to download and view via Manchester City Council's website:

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Maps and Mapping Index

Hard copies of all of the Manchester, Salford and Trafford SFRA documents are available for inspection at Sale Waterside during normal opening hours.

Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA)

As a ‘Lead Local Flood Authority’, under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009, the Council is required to prepare a ‘preliminary assessment report’ focusing on local flood risk from surface water, groundwater, ordinary watercourses and interactions between these sources and other sources of flooding such as main rivers, the sea and reservoirs.

In Greater Manchester, AGMA Districts have worked jointly to commission the preparation of individual Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments (PFRAs) using JBA consulting.

The Trafford PFRA was completed in May 2011, approved by the Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transportation in June 2011 and submitted for review to the Environment Agency (EA). The final document was published on the EA website in December 2011 and can be accessed on the Environment Agency - North West River Basin District webpage.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) aim to manage surface water runoff as close to its source as possible and comprise a range of techniques which should be incorporated in new development. SUDS are designed to control the quantity and rate of run-off from new development, improve the quality of that run-off and enhance the nature conservation, landscape and amenity value of the site and its surroundings.

The Environment Agency has produced a SUDS guide for developers.

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for Greater Manchester (August 2008) examined the scope for using a range of SUDS in the area, including Trafford, and included a map and User Guide.

The Manchester, Salford and Trafford Level 2/Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment also included a SFRA User Guide which, in section 3.4, provides advice on reducing surface water run-off from new development particularly within Critical Drainage Areas.