On this page, you’ll find reports and documents produced by our flood management team.
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)
The Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) was updated in January 2025 and sets the most up to date baseline for flood risk across Central Bedfordshire. We’ve also created a new mapping platform to show areas of flood risk from the Level 1 SFRA. This information will be used to inform the new Local Plan and subsequent site allocations, as well as planning decisions. A Level 2 SFRA will be prepared in the future to assess sites that are intended to be allocated as part of the new Local Plan.
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
You can now view our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (PDF).
We undertook a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) as part of developing the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. For more information, see the following reports:
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) - archive
The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) includes volumes 1 and 2, with all relevant mapping.
Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA)
This assessment identifies areas at significant risk of flooding from surface water, known as ‘Flood Risk Areas’ (FRAs). We review the PFRA every six years, in line with DEFRA’s criteria under the Flood Risk Regulations (2009). Our original PFRA was prepared in 2011 and reviewed with revised DEFRA criteria in 2017.
The PFRA reports are not intended to identify individual properties at risk or provide details of planned flood risk management works, nor should they be used for insurance or valuation purposes. The criteria for identifying Flood Risk Areas focuses on larger settlements potentially at risk, so not all areas previously affected by flooding in Central Bedfordshire are identified. As the lead local flood authority, we investigate local flood incidents and address them through duties and powers beyond the PFRA process.
For more information on PFRAs, visit the Environment Agency's website.
2017 PFRA
We appointed JBA consultants to conduct the 2017 PFRA review using current flood risk data. One Flood Risk Area was identified in Central Bedfordshire.
We’re awaiting further instructions from DEFRA to produce ‘Flood Hazard and Risk Maps’ and a ‘Flood Risk Management Plan’ (FRMP), as required by the Flood Risk Regulations (2009).
Access the 2017 PFRA report via the link below:
2011 PFRA
We conducted the first PFRA in 2011, in partnership with the Internal Drainage Board, Milton Keynes Council, and Bedford Borough Council. No Flood Risk Areas were identified at that time.
Access the 2011 PFRA report and related figures below:
- Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment 2011 document
- Figure 5.3 - Flood Map for Surface Water in Central Bedfordshire - 1 in 200 annual chance
- Figure 5.4 - Area Susceptible to Ground Water Flooding in Central Bedfordshire
Local flood risk studies
Local flood risk studies have identified higher-risk areas. We’re reviewing these studies and their recommendations to determine next steps. Updates will follow.
View flood risk studies (PDFs)
Flood Guide
Our Flood Guide (PDF) offers steps to help you prepare, protect yourself, and safeguard your property during flooding.