Oban Flooding Update
Argyll and Bute Council · 10 December 2025
Back to Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee — 10 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 10 DECEMBER 2025 OBAN FLOODING UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides an update on the works that have been planned and undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council as part of the 2022-20287 Cycle 2 Plans. Funding remains the primary barrier to the implementation of the identified schemes to in Oban. 1.2 Argyll and Bute Council has identified a number of short, medium and long term actions to help mitigate flooding issues in Oban that are identified and discussed within this report. Coastal, fluvial and pluvial issues are present, and the identified measures that have been identified are means to alleviate surface water issues. Whilst tidal levels can be predicted in advance, when spring tides, or high astronomical tides, are combined with storm surges then the risk of coastal flooding is heightened. The tide level also has an effect on the fluvial flooding. The effect of surface water issues in Oban affects a number of local businesses directly, as well as the local economy overall. Whilst Argyll and Bute Council has identified and is working to implement the schemes identified as part of this report, it must be acknowledged that available budget and resources play a major role in our ability to undertake these works.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 10 DECEMBER 2025 OBAN FLOODING UPDATE INTRODUCTION 2.1 Historically there have been numerous flooding events within Oban. The sources of the flooding consist of water from coastal, fluvial (water course), surface water and combined sewer overflows. In some cases, the combined effects of these flooding sources has increased severity of the flood hazard in Oban. One localised flood hotspot affected by combined source flooding is centred on the Council’s Lochavullin Road Car Park bounded by Soroba Road, Tesco and Lochavullin Road. 2.2 Preventing future flooding will require significant works, currently unfunded. Through this report it is proposed that all funding opportunities are explored including lobbying Scottish Government to seek to secure funding to implement flood prevention works as well as exploring any additional external funding opportunities. 2.3 A number of short, medium and long term actions and works identified to help to mitigate flooding are detailed in this report. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee: i. Consider and note this report. ii. Endorse the proposals by officers to lobby for funding and to explore external funding opportunities, and iii. to agree that quarterly progress updates be provided to future meetings of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee.
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4.0 DETAIL 4.1 SEPA’s Flood maps (Appendices 1,2 and 3) show areas susceptible to Coastal, Fluvial (watercourse) and Surface Water flooding in Oban. In December 2024 SEPA substantially increased the area of Oban that they believe to be susceptible to pluvial (surface water) flooding. Full map coverage is available at Flood Maps | SEPA - Flood Maps | SEPA 4.2 Coastal flooding is influenced by high astronomical tides and tidal surges caused by low atmospheric pressure and storm events. In certain conditions, when high spring tides are worsened by tidal surge, sea water will flood into the tidal reach of the Black Lynn burn. The combination of tidal effects and high flows in the Black Lynn burn cause flooding in adjacent areas. Subject to the necessary permissions it is proposed that some clearance work is carried out. Whilst these works will provide some additional water storage capacity, they are not expected to mitigate against any significant weather event. 4.3 The appropriate flood events, including climate change factors, have been modelled to establish whether clearance or repair works would substantially reduce the risk of flooding at Lochavullin, Black Lynn Burn and associated tributaries. No further clearance or repair works have been identified which would significantly reduce the risk of flooding. The works considered include dredging the river downstream of Lynn Road culvert and upstream of Soroba Road Bridge. This could change should a Flood Protection Scheme be progressed which would address the flood risk across the water network. 4.3 In addition to this the Scottish Water combined sewers (drains that contain both storm water and foul sewerage) can also surcharge adding raw sewage to the combined source flood waters. The Lochavullin car park has a pumping system which copes with low levels of water, however, above a certain level there is nowhere to pump water to and the pumps become ineffective. 4.4 The consequences of these flooding events can often result in roads having to be closed for safety resulting in significant diversions and significant flood damage to adjacent businesses. 4.5 Climate change is very likely to increase the severity and frequency of flood events. Current guidance (SEPA Climate change allowances for flood risk assessment in land use planning) points to the following changes: • By 2100 Peak River Flows in Argyll increase by 59% of the 2017 values • By 2080 Peak Rainfall Intensities increase by 46% of the 2017 values • By 2100 cumulative rise in sea level above 2017 levels will be 0.86m
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4.6 In Cycle 1 of the Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016- 22, Oban was identified as a Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) for flooding and an Action was placed on the Council to carry out a Flood Study and Surface Water Management Plan. 4.7 A detailed Flood Study and Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) was completed in 2019. The Oban Flood Study and SWMP identified a number of mitigation and adaptation measures. These measures will require significant infrastructure and are likely to require attenuation (creating storage capacity for water either via a reservoir(s) or in underground tanks) for storm water as well as creating sea defences to prevent flooding from tidal surge. At present detailed design has not been progressed. However it is reasonable to assume that works to deal with the flooding issues would run to several millions of pounds. In the recent past, the Council has been successful in securing funding for flood studies and physical works such as those underway in Campbeltown. These studies and physical works have been 80% funded by Scottish Government and 20% by the Council. At the time of writing, the next round of flood funds has not been released, and it is currently unknown as to what, if any, funding will be available and over what period of time. 4.8 On 7-9 October 2023, the flooding in Oban was significant. Connectivity including access to hospitals and healthcare, residential property, light industry, commercial and retail premises were all affected. Access to shops and food stores was cut off and general disruption including flooding of the underground fuel tanks at Tesco superstore resulted in no fuel being available from this site for a number of weeks. In addition, there were a number of commercial properties, some Council owned, that were affected on the Lochavullin site. Future/Completed Actions 4.9 Short term actions during a flood event:- The Council will continue to respond as required in assisting emergency services and others where possible to do so. In addition to ensuring the pumping system for Lochavullin car park is functioning, the Council’s input during a flood event is likely to include providing the necessary signage, posting service disruption notices via the website and working closely with partners through the Local Resilience Partnership and responding and assisting where possible.
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4.10 An Oban Local Flood Resilience Group has been established by volunteers with an initial meeting held with Council officers. The Group is a community- led initiative aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in Oban. The group is working to increase community awareness and education of the impacts of flooding and the preventative measures that can be taken by residents and businesses. The activities of the Group include • collecting information on properties at risk and gather first-hand accounts of flooding experiences • Work with the Scottish Flood Forum to establish and train local volunteers for emergency response and recovery support • promoting self-help and resilience within the community, including setting up local flood action plans. • The council will work closely with the group and other partners to lobby for funding and consult on our flood prevention plans. 4.10 Medium term actions completed in 2024/25 include:- • Watercourse inspection of Black Lynn Burn and its tributaries; • Clearance of obstructions (trees, trolleys etc) noted during inspection; • Hydrologic modelling carried out for the Black Lynn Burn which has determined the inefficacy of dredging or removing vegetation, to reduce overtopping of the Black Lynn Burn north of Soroba Road Bridge; • Repair/upgrade the existing pumping system at Lochavullin car park: o Existing control unit replaced as required and raised on a plinth to reduce risk of future water damage; o Existing pumps repaired as required; • Survey for invasive non-native species from Soroba Lane bridge to Jackson’s Quarry culvert to establish extents and cost associated with treatment. Following the results of hydrologic modelling the treatment will not be taken forward by the Flood Risk Management team as it does not decrease the risk of flooding. However, invasive non-native species will be addressed by other Council services through the Nature Restoration Fund. 4.11 Medium term actions include:- • Secure quotes for proposed works to identify if funding can be identified within available budgets or otherwise secured; • Further collaboration with Scottish Water regarding sewer flooding and identify options to share resources and reduce this source of flooding; • Make representations to Scottish Government seeking to make available funding to accelerate flood prevention works at Oban; • Explore all opportunities for securing any available funding to accelerate flood prevention works at Oban. 4.12 Long term actions - Long term works will be significant and likely to run into tens of millions of pounds. Potential works would include providing attenuation/water storage and general climate change adaptation measures aimed at mitigating
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or minimising disruption from severe weather events. Currently SEPA prioritise residential property above businesses in terms of assessment and allocation of funding. The Council will lobby to seek to secure funding to accelerate flood prevention works at Oban. It should be noted that no funding has been identified for major works. 4.13 The impact of revised PVAs on future LFRMP Actions is uncertain at present. Updates will be brought forward to Members as information becomes available further. It should be noted that PVAs highlight the potential risk of flooding. This will enable any development to take flooding into consideration and ‘build in’ flood mitigation by raising levels, adding in flood defence etc. PVAs also help in seeking external funding to mitigate against flooding. Impact on Local Businesses and Council Tenants 4.14 Some of the properties in Oban which have been affected by the recent flooding are owned by the Council and are leased to commercial tenants. These properties are located within the Lochavullin area where the Council leases premises in Mill Lane, Millpark Road and Crannog Lane. Some of the properties have been affected by flooding before, but the tenants have reported that the recent flooding events have been worse than previously experienced. 4.15 A number of tenants have contacted the Council to seek compensation or rent reductions to reflect the impact of the flooding on their businesses. However, there are also businesses in the same area who either own or privately lease their premises, and it would not be fair if compensation or rent reductions were only offered to Council tenants. Accordingly, it is considered that only a centralized support scheme made available through the Scottish Government would offer an equitable response to the impact of the recent flooding events. 4.16 As part of the wider flood prevention works being investigated and undertaken by the Council, additional survey work on the drainage systems around the Lochavullin area has been instructed by the Estates Section. This is to assess if there are any short-term measures which could be taken to make improvements to address specific issues some tenants are having. The drainage systems have been altered over the years by a number of tenants and understanding how this impacts on the wider network will assist to determine if any short-term measures will improve matters. There may also be a role in this exercise for Scottish Water depending on the outcome of the surveys. It should be noted that these works will not address the larger scale flooding events which require a larger flood prevention scheme as outlined elsewhere within the report. Other Affected Locations 4.17 There are a number of sites already included within a list of potential flood prevention schemes that may receive funding from future Scottish Government allocations. There are also additional sites that have been prone
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to recent flooding that are not included in Scottish Government’s list of schemes. These include Ledaig car park at Tobermory and Kilmichael Glen. Both of these locations have been subject to recent flooding. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 This report provides the OLI Area Committee with an update on flooding in Oban with completed actions to date along with potential medium and long term adaptation options. The report also proposes to seek external funding with the intention of bringing flood prevention works forward whilst also recognising that the works required to mitigate flooding in Oban will be significant. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – In line with existing Council policies and in line with the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. 6.2 Financial – No funding identified for long term solution, this report proposes that lobbying is taken forward with a view to securing funding. 6.3 Legal – The Council has four key responsibilities under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009: • Prepare maps of bodies of water etc • Assess bodies of water • Prepare local flood risk management plans and carry out the Actions identified in the LFRMP • Carry out clearance and repair works. 6.4 HR – None known. 6.5 Customer Service – None known. 6.6 Risk – None known. 6.7 Climate Change - Due regard will be given to climate change with a view to minimising any climate change impact and these will be considered as and when they arise. 6.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – None known. 6.9 Equalities – protected characteristics – An EqSEIA will be required as and when long term solutions can be progressed. 6.10 Consumer Duty – None know. 6.11 Islands – None known. 6.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – None known.
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Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services: Councillor John Armour
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For further information contact: Andy Summers, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Service Andy.Summers@argyll-bute.gov.uk Elsa Simoes, Infrastructure Design Manager elsa.simoes@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Plan shows the SEPA River flood hazard. Appendix 2 - Plan shows the SEPA Coastal flood hazard Appendix 3 - Plan shows the SEPA Surface Water flood hazard Appendix 4 – Oban PVA Actions
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Appendix 1 - Plan shows the SEPA river flood map - Search Location - Tesco PA34 4HP 0.1% = 1 in 1000 year chance of flooding 0.5% = 1 in 200 year chance of flooding 10% = 1 in 10 year chance of flooding
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Appendix 2 - Plan shows the SEPA coastal flood map Search Location – Tesco PA34 4HP 0.1% = 1 in 1000 year chance of flooding 0.5% = 1 in 200 year chance of flooding 10% = 1 in 10 year chance of flooding
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Appendix 3 - Plan shows the SEPA coastal flood map Search Location – Tesco PA34 4HP 0.1% = 1 in 1000 year chance of flooding 0.5% = 1 in 200 year chance of flooding 10% = 1 in 10 year chance of flooding
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Appendix 4 - OBAN PVA Actions 1. Oban LFRMP PVA Actions 2. Oban LPD Wide Actions 3. Oban ABC approach to carrying out ‘The Act’ 1. Oban LFRMP PVA Actions 1.1. Oban PVA Cycle 1 (2016-22) Output: Oban’s Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) Actions are defined in the Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMPs). The Final Report from the Cycle 1 Plan which covered Oban until 2022 can be viewed here: Highland & Argyll • Local Flood Risk Management Plan Final Report (Cycle 1) 1.1.1. Oban Flood Study including Surface Water Management Plan The following technical and economic assessment reports were completed in 2019 and submitted to SEPA as part of the national prioritisation of flood schemes process: • Oban 1A Main Report • Oban 2C Surface Water Management Plan • Oban 3A Options Appraisal Part A Part One • Oban 3A Options Appraisal Part A Part Two • Oban 3B Options Appraisal - Economic Appraisal • Oban 3C Conceptual Designs and Factsheets 2. Oban PVA Cycle 2 (2022-28) Actions: Oban’s Potentially Vulnerable Area (PVA) Actions are defined in the Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan (LFRMP). The Cycle 2 Plan which has covered Oban since 2022 can be viewed here: Highland & Argyll • Local Flood Risk Management Plan (Cycle 2) • S37 Interim Update (Cycle 2) 1.2.1. Action Type: FLOOD SCHEME OR WORKS DESIGN (Oban PVA Action 1) General description The selected preferred approach for managing flood risk is to be designed following the completion of the flood study, including consideration of the long-term impacts of climate change. These can include small scale works or works to improve catchment management. This should guide adaptive planning to allow for the impacts of climate change to be monitored, understood and managed. Description of Action for Cycle 2 Develop the detailed design of the Oban Flood Protection Scheme based on the preferred option from the flood study. The preferred option consists of a combined flood storage and direct defence solution to protect against flooding from the Black Lynn and property flood resilience to protect against coastal flooding. Some more work is required on the surface water element. The responsible authority proposes this action as the best viable option for managing flood risk in this community. The delivery of this action is subject to capital funding being made available. In accordance with the flood risk management plan, as part of the scheme or works, the responsible authority should aim to ensure the action will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Inner Hebrides and the Minches Special Area of Conservation. Indicative Delivery To be confirmed - progression dependent upon budget availability Co-ordination Argyll and Bute Council will work with Scottish Water, Oban Community Council, Forestry and Land Scotland, land and property owners to deliver the scheme. Funding
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Capital/ Revenue plus any available external funding Current Status Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Scope, timescales and funding arrangements for Cycle 2 and 3 externally capital funded schemes are not yet confirmed. Previous (Cycle 1) capital funding was 80% Scottish Government with Council being responsible for 20% (plus any additional spend over budget estimate). 2. Scheme was submitted to SEPA for prioritisation in 2019. 3. Benefit Cost Ratio classification is 2 = High. 4. Unlikely to progress in Cycle 2 (2022-2028) due to capital funding not being secured. 1.2.2. Action Type: FLOOD SCHEME OR WORKS IMPLEMENTATION (Oban PVA Action 2) General description The flood scheme/works is to be built following agreement of the design, costs and timescales. Description of Action for Cycle 2 Progress the Oban Flood Protection Scheme based on the detailed design. As built drawings should be made available to SEPA, for consideration in the Scottish Flood Defence Asset Database, flood map updates and flood warning scheme updates. The responsible authority proposes this action as the best viable option for managing flood risk in this community. The delivery of this action is subject to capital funding being made available. Indicative Delivery To be confirmed - progression dependent upon budget availability Co-ordination Argyll and Bute Council will work with Scottish Water, Oban Community Council, Forestry and Land Scotland, land and property owners to deliver the scheme. As Built drawings will be provided to SEPA to support any flood map or flood warning updates. Funding Capital/ Revenue plus any available external funding Current Status Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Scope, timescales and funding arrangements for Cycle 2 and 3 externally capital funded schemes are not yet confirmed. Previous (Cycle 1) capital funding was 80% Scottish Government with the Council being responsible for 20% (plus any additional spend over budget estimate). 2. Scheme was submitted to SEPA for prioritisation in 2019. 3. Benefit Cost Ratio classification is 2 = High. 4. Unlikely to progress in Cycle 2 (2022-2028) due to capital funding not being secured. 1.2.3. Action Type: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (Oban PVA Action 3) General description Community engagement is to continue to be carried out in the area by the responsible authorities to raise awareness of flood risk. Description of Action for Cycle 2 The responsible authorities to continue to engage with the community, with particular focus on the detailed design of the flood protection scheme. Indicative Delivery Ongoing Co-ordination Argyll and Bute Council liaises with Oban Community Council and land and property owners Funding Revenue
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Current Status Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Various ABC teams involved including: • Flood Risk Management Team (Infrastructure Design), • Roads Operations, • Community Resilience and • Estates 1.2.4. Action Type: SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (Oban PVA Action 4) General description Areas at risk of heavy or prolonged rainfall causing flooding due to water ponding on man-made surfaces or overwhelming the drainage system have been identified. Next steps in managing such water ponding or over-whelmed drainage systems have been identified and should be implemented. The plan is to be reviewed and updated as needed. Description of Action for Cycle 2 Implement the surface water management plan. The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly. Indicative Delivery Ongoing Co-ordination Scottish Water along with Land and Property Owners Funding Capital/ Revenue plus any available external funding Current Status: Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Maintenance and improvements works carried out at Lochavullin Car Park surface water pump system, 2. Larger projects in the SWMP are dependent on securing additional capital funding. 3. Recording of surface water flood events through public reporting using floodingenquiries@argyll- bute.gov.uk to develop understanding of surface water flooding in Oban. 2. LPD Wide Actions Cycle 2 (2022-28) LPD Wide Actions 2.1.1. LPD Wide Action: AWARENESS RAISING General description SEPA, the Responsible Authorities and other organisations such as the Scottish Flood Forum work together through national and local initiatives to help communities understand the risk of flooding and what actions individuals can take. Improved awareness of flood risk and actions that prepare individuals, homes and businesses for flooding can reduce the overall impact of flooding. Local authorities will undertake additional awareness raising activities when developing any specific project proposals and will engage with community resilience groups and local communities. Scottish Flood Forum support flood risk communities by raising community awareness, promoting self-help, developing community groups and establish a recovery support programme after a flood. Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Argyll and Bute Council have promoted flood advice for property owners and landowners on our website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/flood-advice. 2. In addition, we are now working with our Climate Change Officer and ABCAN to support communities in carrying out area-based risk assessments and, where possible, implementing local mitigation measures.
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3. This work highlights the importance of embedding community resilience, particularly in areas where flood risk has been identified 2.1.2. LPD Wide Action: EMERGENCY PLANS General description Many organisations, including local authorities, the emergency services and SEPA provide an emergency response to flooding. Emergency plans are prepared and maintained under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 by Category 1 and 2 Responders and are coordinated through regional and local resilience partnerships, often supported by voluntary organisations. They set out the steps to be taken to maximise safety and minimise impacts during flooding. Emergency plans may also be prepared by individuals, businesses, organisations or communities. Scottish Water is a Category 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and will support regional and local resilience partnerships as required Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Argyll and Bute benefits from a highly effective and well-established Local Resilience Partnership, which works collaboratively to ensure strong preparedness and coordinated responses to disruptive challenges. Its capabilities are regularly tested and proven in real situations. We take reassurance in knowing that, regardless of the cause of any incident, the consequences are effectively managed through this partnership and the tactical response groups within the Council and HSCP. 2.1.3. LPD Wide Action: FUTURE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLANNING General description The years covered by the lifetime of this plan are crucial. Radical progress is needed in how we reduce our impact on the climate and respond to the effects of climate change. How we plan to manage flooding to our communities is on the front line of the challenges of this decade. The 2027 flood risk management plans will be more ambitious than ever before. The plans will look to develop long term plans for more flood resilient communities prepared for the impacts of climate change. The priority areas which will be the focus points of the next flood risk management plans will be identified in 2024 with the designation of PVAs. A 3-month public consultation will be held to inform the PVA designation. We will plan for a better future by publishing our flooding services strategy in 2023 with a clear and measurable delivery plan. We will put greener, fairer communities at the heart of our ambitions. SEPA has set its own target to be a regenerative organisation by 2030 and the next set of plans will further this ambition. During this plan cycle, SEPA will work to develop new partnerships with a wider range of stakeholders, including businesses and commercial sectors. We will investigate alternative sources of finance to tackle flooding and drive forward practical options for adaptation. Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Argyll and Bute Council and The Highland Council reaffirms their commitment to supporting SEPA in the development of Flood Risk Management Plans. The Councils will work closely with communities through consultation on the preparation of Local Flood Risk Management Plans during 2026 and 2027. 2.1.4. LPD Wide Action: LAND USE PLANNING General description Local authorities, SEPA and Scottish Water all have a responsibility under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 to support sustainable flood risk management through the land use planning process. National planning policies set out the Scottish Ministers’ priorities for the development and use of land. Under this approach, new development in areas with medium to high likelihood of flooding should generally be avoided. Current national planning policies aim to restrict development within the floodplain and limit exposure of new receptors to flood risk, promote flood reduction via natural and structural flood management measures and restoration of natural features, and avoid increased surface water flooding through sustainable drainage and the minimisation of impermeable surfaces. Locally determined planning policies place further requirements within their area of operation to restrict inappropriate development and prevent unacceptable risk. Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council:
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1. Argyll and Bute Council Flood Risk Management Team continue to work closely with the Local Development Plan team and assess minor planning applications to ensure compliance with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and to confirm that new developments do not increase flood risk to communities or existing infrastructure. The Team also assist ABC Planning to ensure that Strategic Flood Risk Assessments address known risks within Argyll and Bute. 2.1.5. LPD Wide Action: MAINTENANCE General description Local authorities have a duty to assess bodies of water and to carry out clearance and repair works where such works would substantially reduce flood risk. Local authorities are also responsible for the drainage of roads. In addition, local authorities may also be responsible for maintenance of any existing flood protection schemes or works. Scottish Water will continue to undertake risk-based inspection, maintenance and repair on the public sewer network. Asset owners and riparian landowners are responsible for the maintenance and management of their own assets including those which help to reduce flood risk. Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council: 1. Argyll and Bute Council are developing the WDM WebFRMS asset management system for recording the assessment and clearing of relevant bodies of water. The system will allow the publication of a schedule of clearance and repair works online. The WebFRMS system is being effectively built from the ground up of the basic operating framework, rather than implementing any existing system and is therefore expected to be significantly more aligned with Council requirements, but take longer to finalise. Development of the system is progressing well during 2025 and it is expected that a full implementation will be in place by early 2026. 2.1.6. LPD Wide Action: SCOTTISH FLOOD DEFENCE ASSET DATABASE General description The Scottish Flood Defence Asset Database provides information on existing flood protection schemes. National data on flood protection infrastructure is needed to understand flood risk and to develop adaptation planning for Scotland. SEPA will continue to host SFDAD and look for opportunities to support the development of our understanding of how and when Scotland’s flood defence assets should be adapted to continue to maintain protection from flooding in the future. Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council: 1. SFDAD is now closed. SEPA is working on a national project, funded by the Scottish Government, to create a comprehensive user driven foundational dataset for flood defence assets in Scotland. Infrastructure Design will support this project by providing technical information we hold on existing Flood Protection Schemes and other flood defence projects. 2. Argyll and Bute Council will store asset information on all flood protection and alleviation works in the WebFRMS asset register. The development of this new The WebFRMS system is being effectively built from the ground up of the basic operating framework, rather than implementing any existing system and is therefore expected to be significantly more aligned with Council requirements, but take longer to finalise. Development of the system is progressing well during 2025 and it is expected that a full implementation will be in place by early 2026. 2.1.7. LPD Wide Action: SELF HELP General description Everyone is responsible for protecting themselves and their property from flooding. People can take steps to reduce damage and disruption to their homes and businesses should flooding happen. This includes preparing a flood plan and flood kit, installing property flood resilience measures, signing up to Floodline, engaging with their local flood group, and ensuring that properties and businesses are insured against flood damage. The following places offer help with taking steps to protect yourself: https://www.floodre.co.uk/ Current Status – Argyll and Bute Council:
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1. Argyll and Bute Council continue to sign post communities and individuals to sources of help with respect to improving property resilience through its Flood Advice webpage, answering public enquiries regarding flood issues 2. The council works with the Scottish Flood Forum. It encourages those affected by flooding to contact the SFF and utilise their expertise. 3. Oban PVA – Argyll and Bute Council relevant Sections in the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (The Act) Section 17 -Local authorities to prepare maps of bodies of water Infrastructure Design will carry out the duty to develop a mapping layer using our WDM WebFRMS asset management system. This layer will identify relevant bodies of water such as burns, surface water drains, diches and SuDS within the Oban PVA Section 18 - Local authorities to assess bodies of water Infrastructure Design • Have carried out an inspection of the Black Lynn Burn and its tributaries to inform a waterbody assessment, • Have consulted with SEPA on the necessary consents required for any scheduled clearance and/or repair works • Will schedule clearance of foreign bodies from waterbodies in the Oban PVA based on flood risk and available resources. • Have carried out hydrological modelling to ascertain whether dredging would substantially reduce the risk of flooding. The modelling informed that it would not, and therefore no dredging is scheduled for waterbodies in the Oban PVA. • Carry out assessments to other relevant bodies of water in the Oban PVA • Using our WDM WebFRMS asset management system and, based on flood risk, will publish a schedule of clearance and repair Sections 56-58 – General Powers to manage flood risk Argyll and Bute Council will continue to use these permissive powers to manage flood risk in the Oban PVA depending on availability of resources. Section 59 - Duty to carry out clearance and repair works: Infrastructure Design will continue carrying out clearance and repair works based on the assessed flood risk from the relevant bodies of waterterbody, dependent on the assessed flood risk and availability of resources