work approved

By Brian Allison, local government reporter

A £1.2 MILLION project to prevent flooding in parts of Broughty Ferry by upgrading the sewer network was given the go-ahead by Dundee City Council’s development quality committee last night.

Scottish Water had sought planning permission for work to provide additional capacity in the network and thus prevent flooding at sections along St Vincent Street, King Street and Castle Street.

The Broughty Ferry Flood Alleviation Scheme will involve upgrading over 2km of sewers and remove more than two dozen properties from the flooding risk register.

Two letters of objection had been received by the council from local business owners concerned about the effects on traffic flow, the number of shoppers using the area and potential impact on buildings.

However, one of the objectors told the committee he was withdrawing his objections as the points he raised had now been addressed.

In a report on the application, planning and transportation director Mike Galloway said the site of the work would be along King Street from the junction with Fort Street eastwards through Castle Green and along Castle Street to the lower end of Panmure Street.

He said there were predominantly traditional stone-built residential properties along the streets, as well as some commercial properties on the ground floor of the buildings on King Street.

Mr Galloway said Scottish Water had confirmed that the work will not affect the Broughty Ferry Gala or the Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie, and access to Castle Green, the harbour and the beach will be maintained at all times.

The director said the main objections related to traffic disruption and adverse effect on business, which was not a valid planning objection.

He said Scottish Water had fully consulted with the planning and transportation department and it had been agreed that road closures would be necessary.

Traffic orders are being processed for St Vincent Street, King Street, Castle Street, Panmure Street and Whinny Brae.

“The works will only take place for a limited period,” Mr Galloway said. “Parking spaces will not be lost by the proposed works.”

He said it was considered that the stability of older stone buildings within the conservation area would not be adversely affected by the works.

If any damage was caused it would be a separate legal issue between Scottish Water and the property owner.

The committee unanimously approved the planning application.