Summary
Long term flood risk layers are different from planning Flood Zones because they estimate present day risk by source, such as rivers and sea, surface water and reservoirs. They are useful for buyer due diligence because they can show probabilities and, in some layers, flood depths. They still remain indicative models rather than guarantees for a single doorway, threshold, gully or culvert.
Definition
Long term flood risk layers are public risk mapping services that estimate the likelihood of flooding from different sources. In England, the long term flood risk service covers rivers and sea, surface water and reservoirs, with some depth information depending on the layer. These layers may include the influence of flood defences and are intended to help users understand relative risk, but buyers should verify site specific details through searches, local studies, insurance quotes and specialist advice where risk is material.