LOCATION

OL4 1AF - Flood, Heat, Air & Subsidence Risk - Lees (OL4)

Oldham, Lees (OL4)

Flood: Very lowHeat: LowerAir quality: MediumGround: Low

Climate risk summary for OL4 1AF

OL4 1AF in Lees (OL4) 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 Medium at PM2.5 7.5 μg/m³, above the WHO annual guideline of 5 μg/m³ (Defra UK-AIR). Ground conditions are Low risk, with Glacial Till geology; shrink-swell risk is classed as improbable (BGS GeoSure).

How does OL4 1AF compare with the rest of the UK?

  • Air pollution: more polluted than 80% of councils
  • Heat risk: cooler than 79% of councils
  • Subsidence risk: lower risk than 58% of postcodes
  • Green space access: better green access than 84% of English postcodes

What is the flood risk in OL4 1AF?

Flood risk at OL4 1AF is rated Very Low, based on Environment Agency NaFRA2 modelling.

Environment Agency flood zone data shows very low flood risk for OL4 1AF in Lees (OL4). 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 OL4 1AF?

Air quality at OL4 1AF is rated Medium, 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 OL4 1AF?

BGS GeoSure data classes the underlying soil at OL4 1AF as Glacial Till, with shrink-swell hazard rated improbable (subsidence risk band: Low). Soil type and shrink-swell behaviour drive subsidence claims following dry summers; recent ABI data shows insurer payouts rose sharply after the 2022 and 2025 hot summers. A structural survey is the reliable way to assess ground risk for a specific property.

Where does this data come from?

This LocalRisk report for OL4 1AF 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 GeoSure subsidence mapping. Risk ratings are a screening tool, complementing - not replacing - the searches and surveys ordered as part of a property transaction. Data covers Oldham and is updated as new official datasets are published.

About the Oldham area

Oldham has an upland town setting with steep valleys, former industrial land and surrounding moorland and experiences cool, wet winters and mild summers, influenced by elevation and Pennine weather patterns.

What should buyers and renters check in OL4 1AF?

Practical check: With PM2.5 above WHO guidelines here, check which bedrooms face busy roads and how fresh air is drawn into living spaces. These are postcode-level indicators - conditions vary between individual properties.

Climate risk can change street by street, so it is worth checking neighbouring postcodes too. The full risk report for OL4 1AA is at localrisk.co.uk/postcode/OL41AA, and you can compare OL4 1AF side by side with any UK postcode at localrisk.co.uk/compare.