Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Assessments, Schedule 6 Consents, Drone Surveys and CEMPs in Northern Ireland
Director-led environmental consultancy helping developers, architects, landowners and homeowners across Northern Ireland meet flood risk, drainage and environmental requirements for planning.
O’Sullivan Environmental specialises in the flooding, drainage and environmental issues that most often hold up planning applications in Northern Ireland. We combine an understanding of NI planning policy with site-specific technical assessment, backed by our own survey data where a site needs it, to produce clear, well-evidenced reports for projects of every size.
Our services
Flood Risk Assessments
Site-specific Flood Risk Assessments for development in or near river, coastal and reservoir flood areas, prepared to Revised PPS 15 (Policies FLD 1 and FLD 5), the SPPS and DfI Rivers requirements. Includes a policy and flood map review, site visit, historic flood information and mitigation, with topographic survey and hydraulic flood modelling (InfoWorks ICM or HEC-RAS) where the site or DfI Rivers requires it.
Flood Risk Assessments →
Drainage Assessments
Drainage Assessments under Policy FLD 3 for housing of 10 or more units, sites over 1 hectare and other qualifying development. Covers runoff and attenuation calculations, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and proof of a viable discharge route.
Drainage Assessments →
Schedule 6 Consents
Applications to DfI Rivers for consent under Schedule 6 of the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 to discharge storm water to, culvert, bridge, divert or cross a watercourse.
Schedule 6 Consents →
Drone LiDAR and Photogrammetry Surveys
Survey-grade drone surveys using our own equipment, producing terrain models, point clouds and orthomosaics, including ground levels beneath vegetation, to support flood, drainage and design work.
Drone Surveys →
Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
Outline and final CEMPs to support planning applications and discharge pre-commencement conditions, written to be practical on site, plus CEMP site audits and monitoring during construction.
CEMPs →
Why work with us
- Director-led: you deal directly with Micheal O’Sullivan from first enquiry to final report.
- Over 15 years’ experience: Micheal has over 15 years’ experience, including time as a Scientific Officer with NIEA, and has been a member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) since 2013.
- Survey and assessment under one roof: where a site needs survey, our own drone survey data feeds straight into our flood risk and drainage work, giving a consistent dataset without extra hand-overs.
- Joined-up consents: where a Drainage Assessment needs a Schedule 6 consent or an NI Water enquiry, we prepare them together so that the figures match.
- Proportionate reports: we scope each job to the site and the risk, so you get the assessment you need and no more.
Helping your project through the NI planning system
Flooding and drainage are among the most common reasons for further information requests on planning applications. Planning authorities consult DfI Rivers on flood risk and drainage, NI Water on sewer capacity, and NIEA and DAERA on environmental matters. Getting the right assessment in place early, and in the form these consultees expect, is the best way to avoid delays.
We work with clients throughout Northern Ireland on single dwellings, farm buildings, housing, commercial, energy and infrastructure projects.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Flood Risk Assessment or a Drainage Assessment?
A Flood Risk Assessment mainly deals with river, coastal and reservoir flooding under Policies FLD 1 and FLD 5. A Drainage Assessment deals with surface water and site drainage under Policy FLD 3. Some sites need both. We can advise once we know the site location and proposal.
Do you work across the whole of Northern Ireland?
Yes. We take on projects anywhere in Northern Ireland.
What information do you need to give a quotation?
A site location plan, a description or drawings of the proposal, and any planning correspondence you have received, such as a request from the council or DfI Rivers.
Talk to us about your site
Micheal O’Sullivan, Director
60 Dreenan Road, Maghera, Co. Derry, BT46 5TZ
Call 07734 366999 | Email m.osullivan@osullivanenvironmental.co.uk
Contact us