Flood Risk & Drainage
Effective flood risk management and drainage design are essential to the successful planning and delivery of any development. Our experienced flood risk and drainage team provides tailored advice, technical assessments and drainage strategies for residential, commercial, agricultural and educational developments.
We combine specialist engineering knowledge with industry-standard drainage modelling software and computer-aided design (CAD) to develop practical, sustainable and cost-effective solutions that respond to the specific requirements of each site. From initial feasibility studies and pre-purchase due diligence through to planning applications and detailed drainage design, we provide support throughout the development process.
By considering flood risk and drainage requirements at an early stage, we help identify potential constraints, inform site layouts and reduce the likelihood of costly design changes later in the project. Our proactive approach helps clients understand site-specific risks, address planning requirements and develop proposals that support the planning process.
Our flood risk and drainage services
We offer a comprehensive range of flood risk and drainage consultancy services, including:
- Pre-purchase and due diligence advice
- Flood Risk Assessments (FRA)
- Foul and surface water drainage strategies
- Sustainable drainage strategies (SuDS)
- Overland flood routing and flood compensation calculations
Our Team
Chris is an Associate Director at DHA and leads our infrastructure team and holds an honours degree in Civil Engineering.
Chris Smoker BEng (Hons)
Associate Director
Chris is an Associate Director at DHA and leads our infrastructure team and holds an honours degree in Civil Engineering.
He has 30 years' experience in various highways, drainage and infrastructure projects. During this period, Chris has been involved in the planning, design and construction of highway and sewerage schemes for residential education and commercial infrastructure projects in the public and private sector.
Before joining DHA, Chris worked for WSP Development, Hyder and CTP.
Some of Chris's latest projects include:
- Kent Medical Campus, Maidstone
- Berry Gardens, Linton
- Scania, Gatwick
- Romney Marsh Potato Company
- Marks and Spencer, Maidstone
Chris is integral to a number of our projects and you will always find him assisting his colleagues with their various queries on drainage and flood risk.
When not at work Chris enjoys spending time with this family and his much loved dog, Rubix.
James started his career at DHA in 2017 as an Apprentice straight from secondary school, working within the Transport team. Now he's an Associate, having gained his qualifications and a wealth of hands-on experience from working in the office whilst studying for his Diploma.
James Marsh HND
Associate
James primarily works on site access designs, detailed layout reviews for planning applications and flood risk assessments.
Over the years he's worked on many schemes, including:
- Lyewood Farm in Boughton Monchelsea
- Updown Farmhouse in Updown, Deal
- Eureka Park, Ashford
- Stocks Road, Wittersham
- London Road SEN School
On the weekends, James enjoys spending time exploring restaurants and playing darts.
Gemma joined DHA in January 2026 as a Senior Transport Planner within our Gatwick Team.
Gemma Lester MSc
Senior Transport Planner
Having graduated from UWE with a BSc in Urban Planning in 2020, Gemma went on to complete an MSc in Transport Planning at Cardiff University in 2023, alongside working within the industry in London.
Prior to joining DHA, she gained 3.5 years’ experience at an alternative consultancy.
Gemma has worked on a wide range of projects, including large-scale residential and commercial/industrial developments. She has strong experience in preparing Transport Assessments, Construction Logistics Plans and Travel Plans across the South and South East, London, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Harry joined DHA in August 2024 as Transport and Infrastructure Apprentice.
Harry Langford
Transport Apprentice
"After a few years of working and studying, I decided that an apprenticeship was right for me. I made the right choice, and I'm very much at ease with my change in direction, despite not having a lot of prior knowledge of the planning sector. I have learnt so much so far, thanks to my great mentors, and I look forward to learning more with time and also my future prospects at DHA."
Harry's hobbies include engineering, sciences, literature, and music.
