Flood risk across West Sussex
West Sussex has a long, low-lying coastline from Selsey and Bognor to Worthing and Shoreham, so tidal flooding is a significant risk. The Arun, the Adur and the Rother bring river flooding inland, and in the Chichester area the winterbourne River Lavant can rise with groundwater after very wet winters.
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 West Sussex County Council and landowners.
River Arun – Pulborough, Arundel and Littlehampton
River Adur – Steyning and Shoreham-by-Sea
Western Rother – Midhurst and Petworth
River Lavant – Chichester
River Mole – Rises near Crawley
English Channel coast – Selsey, Bognor Regis, Worthing and Shoreham
Who manages flood risk here
West Sussex 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.
