Flood Studies - Blairgowrie and Rattray Surface Water Management Plan and Alyth Natural Flood Management Study
Perth and Kinross Council · 23 October 2024
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 23 October 2024 and its agenda
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Climate Change & Sustainability Committee 23 October 2024 FLOOD STUDIES - ‘BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN’ & ‘ALYTH NATURAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT STUDY’ Report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (Report No. 24/287) 1. PURPOSE 1.1. This report sets out the outcomes of the Council’s flood studies, 'Blairgowrie & Rattray Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP)' and ‘Alyth Natural Flood Management Study (NFM)’. The report recommends that a flood protection scheme is taken forward for both studies as they have been found to be economically viable. The proposed schemes will be submitted to SEPA for national prioritisation and inclusion in the next Tay Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan, to be published in 2028. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: ▪ Notes the completion of the Blairgowrie & Rattray SWMP and Alyth NFM as required by the Tay Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan. ▪ Notes that public engagement events have been held to disseminate the findings of the studies. ▪ Approves the recommendations of the studies, including the proposals for a flood protection scheme in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth. ▪ Notes the requirement to monitor, review and update the Blairgowrie & Rattray SWMP in Cycle 3 (2028-2034). ▪ Notes that details of the recommended flood protection scheme for Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth will be submitted to SEPA for national prioritisation and inclusion in the Cycle 3 (2028-2034) Tay Flood Risk Management Plan, to be published in December 2027, and Tay Local Flood Risk Management Plan, due for publication in 2028.
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3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background / Main Issues • Section 5: Proposals • Section 6: Conclusions • Appendices 4. BACKGROUND / MAIN ISSUES. 4.1 Under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, SEPA and lead local authorities published their Cycle 1 Flood Risk Management (FRM) Strategies and Local FRM Plans in December 2015 and June 2016 respectively. These documents set out a range of actions that SEPA and responsible authorities took to manage and, where possible, reduce the risk of flooding over a six- year period. 4.2 The (then) Environment Committee approved the content and publication of the Cycle 1 Tay Local FRM Plan on 1 June 2016 (Report 16/241 refers). The (then) Environment and Infrastructure Committee subsequently approved the content of an Interim Report on the progress made in implementing the Cycle 1 Local FRM Plans on 23 January 2019 (Report 19/16 refers). 4.3 SEPA and lead local authorities published updated Cycle 2 FRM Plans and Local FRM Plans in December 2021 and December 2022 respectively for the six-year period from 2022 to 2028. The Climate Change & Sustainability Committee approved the content and publication of the Cycle 1 Final Report and Cycle 2 Tay Local FRM Plan on 19 December 2022 (Report 22/307 refers). The published documents can be viewed at the following link: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/frmplans 4.4 The published FRM Plans and Local FRM Plans identify various flood studies as a means of further improving the understanding of flood risk in certain locations. The plans identified a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) for Blairgowrie & Rattray and Natural Flood Management (NFM) Study for Alyth. The purpose of these studies was to investigate what further action would be required to manage flood risk in these locations. Actions could then be identified and assessed against technical, economic and acceptability factors to determine feasibility. Any feasible actions could then be implemented as part of a flood protection scheme. 4.5 The 2009 Act provides local authorities with discretionary powers to promote flood protection schemes. Only those flood schemes which have been included in the published FRM Plans, the Local FRM Plans and the national priority list are taken forward in the subsequent 6-year period.
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4.6 Although public authorities are expected to take a proactive role in managing and, where achievable, lowering flood risk, the primary responsibility for avoiding or managing flood risk still remains with land and property owners. The 2009 Act does not alter this. Individuals, businesses and communities must, therefore, play a critical role in making themselves more resilient and helping to reduce the impact of flooding. Blairgowrie & Rattray 4.7 Blairgowrie & Rattray is located in the River Tay catchment within Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) 02/08/06. 4.8 The main potential sources of flooding in Blairgowrie & Rattray is pluvial (surface water) flooding. The term surface water flooding is often used to describe the complex interaction of many sources of flooding as a result of rainfall run-off flowing overland, exceedance of small urban watercourses (including culverted watercourses) or artificial drainage systems (e.g. combined sewer), and groundwater. 4.9 In October 2022, consultant engineers, Binnies (a division of RSK Group Limited), were engaged to carry out a SWMP for Blairgowrie & Rattray. 4.10 Binnie’s investigations involved extensive data gathering and analysis, consultations, topographic surveys, a hydrological assessment, hydraulic modelling, an environmental desk study, an options study, an economic appraisal and the production of final reports. 4.11 The SWMP analysed the integrated flooding mechanisms affecting Blairgowrie & Rattray and a series of flood maps were produced. This work provided a detailed understanding of surface water flood risk across the study area and identified 3 areas at high risk of flooding (referred to as ‘flooding hotspots’) in the town centre, Burnhead Road, and from the Rattray Burn. The properties located in the town centre are at risk of flooding from the combined sewer network and surface water runoff from the north-west. The Burnhead Road properties are at risk of flooding from the Cuttle Burn and surface water runoff from the surrounding agricultural land. David Grimmond Place, Back Row, Schoolfield Road, High Street, New Road and Honeyberry Drive are at risk of flooding from the Rattray Burn. 4.12 The SWMP identified that up to 76 properties are potentially at risk during a 1 in 30-year flood event (the flood event with a 3.33% chance of occurring in any one year). In future this is estimated to increase to 91 properties due to the effects of climate change. A total of 94 properties are potentially at risk during a 1 in 200-year flood event (the flood event with a 0.5% chance of occurring in any one year). In future this is estimated to increase to 102 properties due to the effects of climate change.
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4.13 In managing flood risk, the Council is required to have regard to the economic, social and environmental impact of its actions. The Scottish Government’s guidance recommends that decision making in flood risk management should be supported by an options appraisal. 4.14 An options appraisal includes a cost-benefit analysis and other techniques to determine whether a flood protection scheme meets its objectives, is sustainable and represents best value for money. In general, the cost of flood damage avoided over time must be greater than the cost of building the flood defences, i.e., they must achieve a benefit/cost ratio of greater than 1.0. 4.15 Binnies initially considered a long list of 85 potential actions to manage the risk of flooding. A high level scoring exercise evaluated the actions to provide an initial short-list of 18 actions. This short-list was refined by a technical, environmental and economic appraisal to produce a preferred short-list of 5 options. Plans showing the five short listed options are included in Appendix 1 and consist of: 4.15.1 Option A: Surface water diversion (speed hump) at Upper Allan Street 4.15.2 Option B: Natural Flood Management (leaky dams) on the Rattray Burn 4.15.3 Option C: Disconnection of the industrial area at Welton Road from the combined sewer network 4.15.4 Option D: Construction of SuDS on Rattray Common 4.15.5 Option E: Construction of a swale behind Burnhead Road 4.16 The final short list of potential options, together with the estimated costs and benefit/cost ratios, is shown in Appendix 2. All options have a benefit/cost ratio greater than one and could be progressed individually. 4.17 To improve efficiencies the report recommends combining all five short-listed options into a single flood protection scheme for Blairgowrie and Rattray. The scheme will provide varying levels of benefit to reduce surface water flood risk in each of the three flooding hotspots and so a standard of protection cannot be designated. However, If the scheme was implemented the total number of properties at risk of flooding up to the 1 in 30-year flood event would be reduced by 66, rising to 71 in the 1 in 200-year flood event. 4.18 The recommended scheme is estimated to have a capital cost of £3.95M and an overall benefit/cost ratio of 2.3. The study has, therefore, concluded that this flood protection scheme is economically viable and should be implemented.
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4.19 In order to disseminate the findings of the SWMP, and to outline how flood risk is being managed in the area, a newsletter was posted to local residents and published on the Council’s consultation hub in February 2024. Community drop-in sessions were also held at Blairgowrie Town Hall, Brown Street, Blairgowrie on Wednesday 28 March and Thursday 7 March from 2pm to 8pm. This allowed the community to view and comment on the study findings. Further details are provided in Section 4 of the Annex to this report. 4.20 The SWMP also recommends non-structural actions (e.g. promote property flood resilience measures and formation of a flood action group) that align with on-going actions to manage flood risk under the Tay Local FRM Plan. 4.21 SWMPs should be monitored, reviewed and updated to align with the six-year Flood Risk Management planning cycle. The next update is likely to be required in Cycle 3 (2028-2034). Alyth 4.22 Alyth is located in the River Tay catchment within Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) 02/08/04. 4.23 The main potential sources of flooding in Alyth is fluvial (river) flooding from the Alyth Burn and other smaller watercourses including Johnshill Burn (a tributary of the Alyth Burn) and Doctor’s Burn. 4.24 In January 2022, consulting engineers, AECOM, were commissioned to carry out a NFM study for Alyth. 4.25 AECOM investigations involved extensive data gathering and analysis, consultations, topographic surveys, a hydrological assessment, hydraulic modelling, an environmental desk study, an options study, an economic appraisal and the production of final reports. 4.26 The flood study analysed the flooding mechanisms affecting Alyth and a series of flood hazard maps were produced. The study identified properties at risk of flooding from the Alyth Burn in the vicinity of Barrell Wynd, Market Square, Pitnacree Street, Commercial Street, Mill Street, Cairnleith Place and Springbank Road. There is also a risk of flooding from the Johnshill Burn to properties on Johnshill Road, Bamff Road and Market Square. Additionally, there is a risk of flooding from the Doctor’s Burn to properties on St Ninian’s Road, St Ninian’s Court, Cambridge Street and New Alyth Road. 4.27 The study identified that up to 150 properties are potentially at risk during a 1 in 200-year flood event (the flood event with a 0.5% chance of occurring in any one year). In future this is estimated to increase to 265 properties due to the effects of climate change.
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4.28 In managing flood risk, the Council is required to have regard to the economic, social and environmental impact of its actions. The Scottish Government’s guidance recommends that decision making in flood risk management should be supported by an options appraisal. 4.29 An options appraisal includes a cost-benefit analysis and other techniques to determine whether a flood protection scheme meets its objectives, is sustainable and represents best value for money. In general, the cost of flood damage avoided over time must be greater than the cost of building the flood defences, i.e., they must achieve a benefit/cost ratio of greater than 1.0. 4.30 AECOM initially considered a long list of 28 potential actions to manage the risk of flooding. This long list was refined by a technical, environmental and economic appraisal to produce a short list of five options for more detailed appraisal. Plans showing the five short listed options are included in Appendix 3 and consist of: (i) Option A: Johnshill Burn culvert upgrades (ii) Option B: Alyth Burn flood walls and Johnshill Burn culvert upgrade (iii) Option C: Alyth Burn weir removal, Johnshill Burn culvert upgrade & flood wall (iv) Option D: Doctor’s Burn channel upgrades (v) Option E: Catchment wide NFM (excluding loch upsizing) 4.31 The final short list of potential options, together with the estimated costs and benefit/cost ratios, is shown in Appendix 4. 4.32 Each of the five short-listed options have varying levels of benefit and standard of protection. 4.33 The study concluded that three of the five options were not economically viable as they all have a cost benefit ratio of less than 1.0. However, Option A (Johnshill Burn culvert upgrades) & Option D (Doctor’s Burn channel upgrades) achieved a cost benefit ratio of greater than 1.0. 4.34 The study recommends an economically viable flood protection scheme for Alyth comprising of Options A and D with a cost benefit ratio of 1.79 and capital cost of £1.447M should be implemented. 4.35 If these actions were implemented, the risk of flooding would be reduced for 50 properties. The standard of protection for Option A is 1 in 200-year and Option D is 1 in 100-year. 4.36 In order to disseminate the findings of the NFM study, and to outline how flood risk is being managed in the area, a letter was posted to local residents and published on the Council’s consultation hub in June 2024. Community drop-in sessions were also held at Alyth Town Hall, Albert Street, Alyth on Tuesday 28 May and Thursday 30 May from 2pm to 7pm. This allowed the community to view and comment on the study findings. Further details are provided in Section 4 of the Annex to this report.
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5. PROPOSALS Blairgowrie & Rattray 5.1 The Council’s consulting engineers, Binnies, have recommended a flood protection scheme for Blairgowrie & Rattray. It is proposed that this scheme is taken forward by the Council. 5.2 The proposed flood protection scheme involves a combination of five options as set out in Appendices 1 & 2. Alyth 5.3 The Council’s consulting engineers, AECOM, have recommended a flood protection scheme for Alyth. It is proposed that this scheme is taken forward by the Council. 5.4 The proposed flood protection scheme involves a combination of two options as set out in Appendices 3 & 4. Next Steps 5.5 The conclusion for both studies was after the publication of the Tay FRM Plan and Local FRM Plan for the period covering 2022 - 2028. The Council will submit details of the proposed scheme to SEPA for prioritisation (within the national list of flood schemes) and inclusion within the Cycle 3 Tay FRM Plan and Local FRM Plan covering the period from 2028 - 2034. This process is essential to secure the necessary capital grant funding to design and construct the scheme. The process also cannot be accelerated. 5.6 The Cycle 3 Tay Local FRM Plan should set out the proposed implementation arrangements for the flood schemes in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth, including timescales and how it will be funded. However, due to the on-going Scottish Government/COSLA Joint Funding Working Group review of capital funding for flood schemes, and the other schemes that the Council is already progressing, the timescales and funding arrangements for the Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth flood schemes remain unclear for the time being. The next phases of work to develop the flood scheme proposals will therefore not commence until the funding review provides further clarity around capital grant funding and provision is made within the Council’s capital programme. 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 This report provides an update on the outcome of the Blairgowrie & Rattray SWMP and Alyth NFM. 6.2 The Council engaged consulting engineers to carry out these studies. The communities of Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth were identified as being among the Council’s highest priority actions within the Tay Flood Risk Management Strategy and Local Flood Risk Management Plan.
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6.3 The Council’s consulting engineers have recommended a flood protection scheme for Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth. Both proposed schemes are economically viable, and the preliminary proposals consist of various measures to reduce the risk of flooding from a combination of flood mechanisms. This report, therefore, seeks the Committee’s approval to promote the consulting engineer’s recommended proposals as a flood scheme for Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth, subject to funding. Authors Name Designation Contact Details Russell Stewart David Stephens Andrew Smith Senior Engineer (Flooding) Technician (Flooding) Technician (Flooding) 01738 475000 EPLCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Fraser Crofts Strategic Lead, Environment & Infrastructure 7 October 2024 APPENDICES • Appendix 1 – Blairgowrie & Rattray SWMP – Plans of Short-Listed Potential Options • Appendix 2 – Blairgowrie & Rattray SWMP – Short List of Potential Options Summary Table • Appendix 3 - Alyth NFM – Plans of Short Listed Potential Options • Appendix 4 - Alyth NFM – Short List of Potential Options Summary Table
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment Yes Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance Yes Risk Yes Consultation Internal Yes External Yes Communication Communications Plan Yes 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This report supports the following priorities within the Community Plan 2022- 27. (i) Mental and physical wellbeing (ii) Employability Corporate Plan 1.2 This report supports the objectives within the draft new Corporate Plan:- (i) Children and young people grow up safe, respected, well-educated, and confident in their ability to realise their full potential; (ii) People and businesses are increasingly able to prosper in a local economy which support low carbon ambitions and offers opportunities for all; (iii) People can achieve their best physical and mental health and have access to quality care and support when they need it; (iv) Communities are resilient and physically, digital and socially connected; (v) Perth and Kinross is a safe and vibrant place, mitigating the impact of climate and environmental change for this and future generations.
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2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 It should be noted that the proposed flood protection schemes in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth will not be implemented at this time. The implementation arrangements (if known) will be set out in the Cycle 3 Tay Local FRM Plan, which will cover the six year period from 2028-2034 and is due to be published in June 2028. Subject to available funding, consulting engineers will be re-engaged to carry out further investigations and develop the flood scheme proposals at some time during 2028-2034. As a result, there are no immediate resource implications arising directly from the recommendations in this report. 2.2 However, the flood risk management planning process will have future financial implications. The Cycle 3 Tay Local FRM Plan will contain the implementation arrangements including a timetable for the proposed flood schemes, who will be responsible for implementing it, as well as how it will be funded (if known) and coordinated by SEPA and the responsible authorities over the next six-year cycle from 2028-2034. 2.3 The 2009 Act requires the Scottish Government to have regard to the FRM Plans and Local FRM Plans when allocating funds to SEPA and responsible authorities. The Scottish Government, CoSLA and SEPA agreed the distribution of capital funding to the actions identified nationally in the Cycle 1 FRM Strategies and Local FRM Plans. The following arrangements currently apply: (i) Only works and schemes that are prioritised in the FRM Plans and Local FRM Plans are eligible for capital funding. (ii) Flood protection schemes attract capital grant assistance of up to 80% of their estimated project cost at tender stage from the Scottish Government. Local authorities are required to fund the remainder of the cost of flood schemes. (iii) The Scottish Government allocates capital funding to local authorities engaged in flood risk management across Scotland. 80% of this capital funding will continue to be allocated to flood protection schemes with the remaining 20% to other actions within the FRM Plans, as detailed in the Local FRM Plans. This 20% is distributed to the 32 Scottish local authorities based on the number of properties at risk of flooding and the estimated annual average flood damages. 2.4 At present, the allocated capital grant is adjusted as the flood scheme proposals are developed. The estimated costs of flood schemes across Scotland will therefore continue to be reported to the Scottish Government by local authorities on an annual basis. 2.5 These arrangements are currently under review by the Scottish Government and CoSLA, due to the current projected costs of Cycle 1 flood schemes across the country, and the available funding.
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2.6 The Council currently has four flood protection schemes that had been included in the national priority list for Cycle 1 from 2016-2022 and work on them continues. However, as a result of the above review, the 4th priority flood scheme, on the Annaty Burn in Scone, was previously paused although this is due resume later this year. This scheme is likely to take longer or be paused again in future due to these funding limitations. 2.7 No capital funding has been allocated to any new Cycle 2 or 3 flood schemes in Scotland. The Council has not made an allocation for its 20% contribution to the capital costs at this time. The timescales and funding arrangements for the proposed new flood schemes in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth therefore remain unclear for the time being. 2.8 The conclusion of the national review into capital funding for flood schemes is awaited. In the meantime, CoSLA leaders have confirmed that it is expected that the Local Government General Capital Grant will continue to include resources allocated for flooding projects, and decisions on quantum and distribution will be taken by Scottish Ministers and CoSLA Leaders nearer the time. 2.9 The proposals and cost estimates for the recommended flood schemes in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth still have to be developed through a long process of further investigations, consultation, outline design, the statutory process, detailed design, tendering and construction. Experience on other similar schemes has invariably shown that the costs estimated at feasibility stage always increase. The scheme costs noted in this report are therefore subject to change and will have to be carefully monitored going forward. 2.10 There are no current revenue funding implications arising from the recommendations in this report. Workforce 2.11 There are no workforce implications arising directly from the recommendations in this report. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.12 The proposals in this report have no asset management implications at this time.
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3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. The Equality Impact Assessment undertaken in relation to this report can be viewed at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/EqIA. 3.2 The proposals in this report have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) It was determined that the proposals be assessed as relevant with the following actions taken to reduce or remove the following negative impacts: • The construction works for the proposed flood scheme could temporarily have a greater impact on mobility impaired, sight impaired, blind people or disabled people, on children and the elderly and infirm, and on pregnant women or nursing mothers, in relation to adverse psychological, physical and health impacts. Appropriate mitigation measures will be adopted to minimise disruption, noise, dust and vibration and to ensure adequate safe access throughout the construction works. (ii) The proposals be assessed as relevant and the following positive outcomes expected following implementation: • The proposed flood scheme will have the same positive impact for all equality groups as the reduction in flood risk to both communities will provide benefits for all (improved safety, health & wellbeing through the avoidance of flood impacts and damages) in the long term. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 The matters presented in this report were considered under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and no further action is required as it does not qualify as a PPS as defined by the Act and is therefore exempt. 3.5 It is likely that an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required to support the proposed flood scheme described in this report. This assessment will be progressed once consulting engineers have been engaged.
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Sustainability 3.6 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council also has a duty relating to climate change and, in exercising its functions must act: • in the way best calculated to delivery of the Act’s emissions reduction targets; • in the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaptation programmes; and • in a way that it considers most sustainable. 3.7 Following an assessment using the Integrated Appraisal Toolkit, it was previously determined that the proposal is likely to contribute positively to the following corporate sustainable development principles: (i) Climate Change Efficient use of resources now and in the future in the built environment and service provision (e.g. energy efficiency, land, water resources, flood defence, waste minimisation) (Principle 2) Mitigation and adaptation to manage the impact of climate change & reduce the production of greenhouse gases (Principle 3) Justification: The flood schemes proposed in this report will help to manage the increased flood risk to Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth brought about by climate change. (ii) Community Creating a sense of place (e.g. a place with a positive ‘feeling' for people, and local distinctiveness) (Principle 22) Justification: The flood schemes proposed in the report will help to make Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth communities safer and more sustainable for residents, through a reduction in flood risk. This will help the communities to thrive in the longer term despite the temporary construction impacts.
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3.8 Following an assessment using the Integrated Appraisal Toolkit, it was previously determined that the proposal is likely to contribute negatively to the following corporate sustainable development principles: (iii) Consumption and Resources Efficient use of resources now and in the future in the built environment and service provision (e.g. energy efficiency, land, water resources, flood defence, waste minimisation) (Principle 2) Mitigation and adaptation to manage the impact of climate change & reduce the production of greenhouse gases (Principle 3) Justification: There will be a short-term increase in the use of materials and resources during construction of the flood scheme, but a future reduction due to reduced flood risk. Mitigation: The Environmental Impact Assessment and eventual Construction Environmental Management Plan will consider energy consumption and waste management practices during construction. Legal and Governance 3.9 The Strategic Lead - Legal and Governance has been consulted on this report. 3.10 The legal basis for the proposals set out in this report is the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. Risk 3.11 Flooding is a natural phenomenon that can never be entirely prevented. However, the Council is required to manage and, where possible, reduce flood risk. 3.12 The flood schemes proposed in this report will reduce flood risk in Blairgowrie & Rattray and Alyth. The risks associated with the proposals set out in this report will be identified and managed through each scheme. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance and The Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support have been consulted in the preparation of this report.
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External Blairgowrie & Rattray 4.2 Blairgowrie Community Council, SEPA, NatureScot, Transport Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Water and all relevant landowners and occupiers were consulted during the development of the proposals. 4.3 In February 2024, a letter was issued to the local elected members and the community council, and 743 letters were sent to residents and businesses within the local community. This letter directed residents to the consultation hub, invited them to the drop-in sessions, and outlined an opportunity to record their views and questions on comment forms. Social media posts were also arranged through the Council’s communications team. 4.4 A summary of the draft outputs from the surface water management plan was placed on the Council’s consultation hub at https://consult.pkc.gov.uk/communities/blairgowrieswmpevent/. The community were invited to view and comment on the surface water management plan findings between the dates of 23 February 2024 and 22 March 2024 as part of a consultation event. This consultation event provided detail on: • The flood risk in Blairgowrie & Rattray • The surface water management plan’s findings • The development of resilience and awareness in the communities 4.5 A community drop-in session was held at Blairgowrie Town Hall, Brown Street from 2pm to 8pm on the 28 February 2024 and the 7 March 2024. This event offered residents a further opportunity to view and comment on the draft outputs from the surface water management plan. Representatives from the Council’s Flooding Team, Binnies (consultant), Scottish Water, SEPA, and the Scottish Flood Forum were available to answer questions and provide further information. A total of 51 attendees signed the register at the drop-in sessions. 4.6 A total of 34 responses were provided as a mixture of e-mails and completed comment forms. 4.7 In general, the comments received from the community were positive. However, a number of concerns were raised, these included the historic issue of construction throughout the town in areas subject to flooding, the capacity for additional flow into the Cuttle Burn, and the safety of SuDS/open water in a public recreation area such as the Rattray Common.
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4.8 The Council collated all comments and issued a response to the community in June 2024 answering questions raised during the consultation period. The Council’s consultation hub has also been updated to confirm the outcome of this process. Alyth 4.9 Alyth Community Council, SEPA, NatureScot, Transport Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Water and all relevant landowners and occupiers were consulted during the development of the proposals. 4.10 In May 2024, a letter was issued to the local elected members and the community council, and 298 letters were sent to residents and businesses within the local community. This letter directed residents to the Council’s consultation hub, invited them to the drop-in sessions, and outlined an opportunity to record their views and questions on comment forms. Social media posts were also arranged through the Council’s communications team. 4.11 A summary of the NFM draft outputs was placed on the Council's consultation hub at https://consult.pkc.gov.uk/communities/alythnfmstudy/. The community were invited to view and comment on the NFM findings between 24 May 2024 and 14 June 2024 as part of a consultation event. This consultation event provided details on the following- • The flood risk in Alyth, • The NFM study findings, • Other actions to raise awareness and improve community resilience. 4.12 A community drop-in session was held at Alyth Town Hall from 2pm to 7pm on the 28 and 30 May 2024. This event offered residents a further opportunity to view and comment on the draft outputs from the NFM study. Representatives from the Council's Flooding Team, AECOM (engineering consultant) and the Scottish Flood Forum were available to answer questions and provide further information. A total of 50 attendees signed the register at the two drop-in sessions. 4.13 A total of 3 responses were provided as a mixture of e-mails, verbal feedback and completed comment forms. 4.14 In general, the community's comments were positive. However, several concerns were raised, including engineering vs. natural solutions, Waste Water Treatment Works infrastructure, new developments, and dredging possibilities.
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4.15 The Council collated all comments and issued a response to the community in August 2024, answering questions raised during the consultation period. The Council's consultation hub has also been updated to confirm the outcome of this process. 5. Communication 5.1 The communication arrangements to date were as noted in Section 4 above. 5.2 The Council will continue to communicate with the local communities, statutory consultees, local landowners and other stakeholders as the flood scheme proposals are developed. 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 The following background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (and not containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to a material extent in the preparation of the above report; • PKC – Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee – 24 October 2007, Flood Mitigation Schemes and Flood Studies (Report No 07/681) • PKC – Environment Committee – 9 September 2015, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2008, Selected Actions and Prioritisation (Report No 15/359) • PKC – Environment Committee – 1 June 2016, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2008, Publication of Local Flood Risk Management Plans (Report No 16/241) • PKC - Environment and Infrastructure Committee – 23 January 2019, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, Publication of Interim Report (Report No 19/16) • PKC - Environment and Infrastructure Committee – 19 May 2021, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, Second Cycle of Flood Risk Management Plans (Report No 21/60) • PKC - Climate Change & Sustainability Committee – 19 December 2022, The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, Publication of Final Reports (Cycle 1) & Local Flood Risk Management Plans (Cycle 2) (Report No 22/307)