Local flood risk plans published for Ross-shire
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The Local Flood Risk Plans for Highland & Argyll and Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside that focuses on understanding the risks from all sources of flooding and setting out planned measures to reduce this risk, have been published. It covers the period from now up until 2028.
The Highland Council as Lead Local Authority of the Highland and Argyll Local Plan District has made the plan available on its website. Here you will also find the Findhorn, Nairn & Speyside Local FRM Plan for which Moray Council is the Lead Local Authority.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “It is estimated there are 15,000 homes and businesses are at risk of flooding in the Highland and Argyll Local Plan District. Flooding has a lasting and devastating effect on individuals and whole communities which is why it is so important we do all we can to plan ahead and try to mitigate the increasing risk of flood events.
“The Plan is really a route map for reducing the effects of flooding on our communities. It is about managing risk. This is not only key to the health, wellbeing and economic success of communities identified as being at risk of flooding, but the plan is also an important response to the climate emergency. SEPA have stated that the number of homes businesses and services at risk of flooding are projected to increase over the coming years. This is why the plan sets out the actions required now to adapt to future flood risk and ensure we are resilient to flooding.
“It’s about being prepared, giving communities assurances, and using the information we have to allocate and target resources wisely.
He added: “A lot of work by our Flood risk Management Team has taken place to get to this stage so I would like to thank them all for their involvement in this important piece of work.”
The National Flood Risk Assessment (2018) developed by SEPA, defined a total of 235 Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) across Scotland. The Highland Council has 29 PVAs identified within the National Flood Risk Assessment; 23 are located within the Highland and Argyll Local Plan District, and six are located within the Findhorn, Nairn and Speyside Local Plan District.
Public consultation took place in 2021 and feedback from this has helped to shape the published Plans.
