About this course

This course will provide an overview of the expectations on planning to address flood risk and highlight key principles for effective flood risk management through both the planning policy and development management functions of planning departments.   

This course sets the context for planning for flood risk and it is recommended that learners complete this prior to taking part in further planning for flood risk courses.

This introductory course is aimed at planning and flood risk professionals, with a focus on the roles and functions of public sector authorities (including local planning authorities and local lead flood authorities), although it may also be of interest to elected members and consultants working in the private sector. 

The course should take around 45 minutes to complete.

Course structure

    1. Welcome and course structure

    2. Meet the instructors

    1. Planning for climate change

    2. Planning for flood risk in England

    3. The impacts of flooding

    1. Statutory duties

    2. The National Planning Policy Framework

    3. Planning Practice Guidance

    4. Further resources and guidance

    1. Understanding long term flood risk

    2. Different sources of flooding

    3. Tidal flooding

    4. Fluvial Flooding

    5. Groundwater flooding

    6. Surface water flooding

    7. Sewer flooding

    8. Reservoir flooding

    9. Planning for different sources of flooding

    10. Roles and responsibilities in planning for flood risk

    1. Changing policy landscape

    2. Summary

    1. An introduction to planning for flood risk in England - evaluation

About this course

  • Free
  • 22 lessons

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will:

  • Gain an understanding of the role of the planning system in addressing flood risk in the context of a changing climate.

  • Be familiar with national legislation and policy on planning and flood risk.

  • Gain an understanding of the different sources of flood risk that planners must consider.

  • Gain an understanding of key roles and responsibilities for planning and flood risk in England.

  • Be aware of key flood risk considerations for planning policy and development management.

Course Instructors

Meet the team behind the training

Celia Davis

Projects & Policy Manager, TCPA

Since joining the TCPA, Celia has managed the TCPA’s work on planning for climate change including the production of guidance, advice and training for local authorities and communities. Celia has an MSc in Urban Planning from the University of the West of England and is a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI).

Hugh Ellis

Director of Policy, TCPA

Hugh has provided strategic oversight of the TCPA’s policy work since joining the organisation in 2009. Hugh leads research projects, public affairs and regularly delivers training for politicians, professionals and communities on a range of planning topics. Hugh also teaches and lectures at planning schools such as Queens Belfast, UCL, UWE, Sheffield and Manchester.

Sam Kipling

FCRM Senior Adviser, Environment Agency

Sam joined the Environment Agency in 2004 and spent 14 years working in Yorkshire on a wide range of planning policy and development management work - including marine planning and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Sam now works in the Agency’s national Strategy and Resilient Places team, where he works closely with Government on planning reforms with a focus on flood risk, coastal change and sustainable drainage. He was a member of the task and finish group set up by Government to lead its policy review of development in flood risk areas and subsequent update to planning guidance. Sam has a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography and an MA in Town and Country Planning.