EX17 4SN - Flood, Heat, Air & Subsidence Risk - Rackenford (EX17)

North Devon, Rackenford (EX17)

Climate risk summary for EX17 4SN

EX17 4SN in Rackenford (EX17) has a Very low flood risk - EA NaFRA2 data records no properties in a flood risk zone in this postcode. Heat risk is Lower, with a median (50th percentile) of 11 days above 25°C per year, averaged over the 2021-2040 period under the RCP8.5 high emissions scenario (Met Office UKCP18). Air quality is Low at PM2.5 4.7 μg/m³, within the WHO annual guideline of 5 μg/m³ (Defra UK-AIR). Ground conditions are Low risk, with Sandstone geology; shrink-swell risk is classed as improbable (BGS GeoClimate).

• Flood: EA NaFRA2: no properties at flood risk in this postcode.
• Heat: Projected 11 days above 25°C per year, 2021-2040 average (Met Office UKCP18, 50th percentile under RCP8.5, 12 km grid - postcodes within the same grid cell share this value).
• Air quality: PM2.5 4.7 µg/m³ - within the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³ (Defra UK-AIR PCM model, council-level average - every postcode in this council shows this value).
• Ground: BGS data: Sandstone geology. Shrink-swell risk classed as improbable (British Geological Survey).
• Green space: 71% of households here have accessible green space within a 15-minute walk (the government's Environmental Improvement Plan standard), and 10% have a park or green space within a 200m walk of their door - below the England median (Defra, 2025).

What is the flood risk in EX17 4SN?

Flood risk at EX17 4SN is rated Very Low, based on Environment Agency NaFRA2 modelling.

Environment Agency flood zone data shows very low flood risk for EX17 4SN in Rackenford (EX17). EA NaFRA2 data shows no properties at flood risk in this postcode. The band reflects the highest flood risk within the postcode; some properties within this postcode may face little or no direct flood risk. For a specific property, a conveyancing search will confirm the exact flood zone position.

How is the air quality in EX17 4SN?

Air quality at EX17 4SN is rated Low, based on Defra UK-AIR annual mean PM2.5 data. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) comes primarily from road traffic, industry, and domestic burning. Long-term exposure above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³ is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. Buyers and renters in higher air quality risk areas may wish to consider whether the property is near busy roads or industrial sources.

Is subsidence a risk at EX17 4SN?

British Geological Survey data classes the underlying soil at EX17 4SN as Sandstone, with shrink-swell hazard rated improbable (subsidence risk band: Low). A structural survey is the reliable way to assess ground conditions for a specific property.

Where does this data come from?

This LocalRisk report for EX17 4SN draws on four official UK open data sources: Environment Agency NaFRA2 flood modelling, Met Office UKCP18 climate projections, Defra UK-AIR PM2.5 monitoring, and British Geological Survey GeoClimate subsidence mapping. Risk ratings are a screening tool, complementing - not replacing - the searches and surveys ordered as part of a property transaction. Data covers North Devon and is updated as new official datasets are published.

About the North Devon area

North Devon has a varied coastal and rural setting with steep valleys, upland areas and exposed Atlantic coastline and experiences cool, wet winters and mild summers, influenced by maritime weather and complex topography.

Climate risk can change street by street, so it is worth checking neighbouring postcodes too. The full risk report for EX17 1AA is at localrisk.co.uk/postcode/EX171AA, and you can compare EX17 4SN side by side with any UK postcode at localrisk.co.uk/compare.