Scheme Development Process

When developing a flood risk management project that is seeking to apply for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Grant-in-Aid funding, Risk Management Authorities including the Environment Agency must follow the steps outlined in the Government’s guidance on developing an FCERM project business case.

The first key step in the business case process is the development of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC). This was completed and approved for the South Elmsall FAS in February 2022. This involved strategically assessing a range of options to address flood risk in South Elmsall, to demonstrate that further investment to explore these options is justified. This stage looks at the project at a high level, assessing the potential benefits, and the likely costs of implementing a flood scheme.

The next step is to develop an Outline Business Case (OBC). This is the current stage of the scheme. The options considered in the previous stage will be looked at in greater detail, considering the constraints and opportunities they present. This will result in the identification of a preferred option, hydraulic modelling to understand the benefits, cost benefit analyses and outline design. This preferred option must demonstrate a financially and technically viable option which can be progressed to the final business case stage.

The final stage will be to complete a Full Business Case (FBC). This involves designing the preferred option in detail and finalising costs, benefits, planning / permit requirements and funding. Construction can then begin.