Flood risk across Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire sits where the Severn meets the Avon, so river flooding is the headline risk in places like Tewkesbury and Gloucester. But it isn't the only one – surface water from heavy rain affects towns and villages right across the county, including many homes nowhere near a river.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Gloucestershire County Council and landowners.
River Severn – Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the Vale of Gloucester
Warwickshire Avon – Joins the Severn at Tewkesbury
River Wye – The western edge of the Forest of Dean
River Churn and Thames – Cirencester and the southern Cotswolds
River Frome – The Stroud valleys
River Chelt – Cheltenham
Who manages flood risk here
Gloucestershire County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. Your district or borough council decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
