2. Flood Map for Planning datasets

Created: 25 March 2025

On 25 March 2025 we published data relating to new and updated flood risk data for development planning on the Flood Map for Planning (FMfP) digital service. This includes:

• New and updated Flood Zones

• Datasets indicating the possible effects of climate change on future flood risk extents

• A new dataset showing 1 in 30 (3.3%) annual chance of flooding from rivers and sea extents, with any existing defences operating effectively 

• Present day ‘Risk of flooding from surface water’ extents

For a full list of datasets we have published, see the related announcement ‘Detailed data list’. 

The dataset showing the risk of flooding with a 1 in 30 (3.3%) annual chance of flooding does not replace the functional floodplain (FZ3b) which remains the responsibility of LPAs to designate in their strategic flood risk assessments (SFRAs). However, if an SFRA is out-of-date or it doesn’t contain any data mapping functional floodplain in a location of interest, this scenario could help inform strategic and site-specific flood risk assessments to identify the likely presence or absence of functional floodplain.

The Detailed data list describes which datasets include allowances for the possible effects of climate change. We have used allowances consistent with those required for most common development types as set out in Flood risk assessment: climate change allowances. Some developments may still need to undertake further assessment to consider climate change scenarios or time periods in addition to those shown on the Flood Map for Planning.

Customers can use the new Flood Map for Planning service to request flood risk assessment information that the Environment Agency holds. This includes flood products described at Flood risk assessments: applying for planning permission - GOV.UK.  Further supporting information can also be found at https://www.tcpa.org.uk/resources/new-national-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-information/ .