More than 5 million homes are classed as at ‘risk of flooding’.  From the 30th June 2013 yours, or your clients property, may not be covered by flood insurance.  This problem has once again swiftly been brought to the fore with the latest flooding events (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15429159).

Wilbourn Associates are becoming increasingly concerned that both residential and commercial property owners will be faced with the very real prospect of not being able to acquire appropriate flood insurance cover should a new ‘Statement of Principles’ not be agreed between the Association of British Insurers and the Government.  This Statement of Principles currently guarantees that flood risk cover will be maintained for existing properties until June 2013.

Up until now there have been two products, at complete opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of reporting details, available to the consumer in the market place.  The first product is a simple computer generated report that highlights the overall level of risk whether this be from pluvial or fluvial sources, etc.

At the other end of the scale is a full Flood Risk Assessment report.  This report is usually carried out at the time of redevelopment in line with Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25).  These reports are very detailed and include extensive interpolation of available data relating to flood records, flood level information, existing river modeling data, a topographical survey of the property, a detailed site walkover and appropriate recommendations for any mitigation measures required to reduce the flood risk.

The new Flood Protection Survey report provided by Wilbourn Associates offers a unique approach to the consideration of flood risk.  Apart from undertaking a full Flood Risk Assessment Report which is often unnecessary, costly and time consuming, there is no interim assessment available in the market place for properties where there are no redevelopment proposals being considered.

The new Flood Protection Survey report identifies a potential flood risk, includes a site walkover by a Chartered Environmental Surveyor to examine potential pathways for flood water to enter the property and makes appropriate recommendations for mitigating against flood risk.

The cost for this new report for a residential property is £250 plus VAT whilst for a commercial property it is £650 plus VAT.  For further information please do not hesitate to contact one of our consultants on 0114 2435500.