| Date -23 Apr 2007 | Return to previous page |
The final proposals for Moray Council’s flood alleviation scheme will be on display to the public from 10am to 8pm on 24 and 25 April 2007 at the Mansefield Hotel, Elgin.
This exhibition gives everyone a chance to see what the scheme will look like when it is finished, what work is envisaged and what level of disruption to expect whilst work is carried out.
While proposals are subject to initial examination by the Scottish Executive it is anticipated that the Final Flood Prevention Order will be submitted in June 2007.
The cost of the scheme, at current prices, is around £88 million. This is made up of £83 million yet to be incurred, and the costs of studies, design and investigations to date of £5 million.
Preparing a flood scheme involves carrying out detailed studies to understand the likely extent and frequency of flooding, and using this information to look at a range of ways of reducing flood risk. Initially dozens of ideas were evaluated, but these were eventually reduced to three that were studied in more detail.
The Council opted for an option that created a sustainable flood flow path through Elgin, protecting properties as far as possible but allowing other land such as parks and playing fields to flood. The estimated cost of this Scheme was £95 million – a massive undertaking.
In developing the scheme further there have been some modifications. Rather than include all works on the Tyock Burn within the scheme it proved possible to implement some immediately. Higher embankments at Borough Briggs save having to demolish and rebuild Bishopmill Bridge on the A941. The layout near the Cathedral was redesigned to incorporate a new island, saving some mature trees and reducing the visual impact.
People living downstream of Elgin, who are already at risk of flooding, were concerned that the scheme would increase risks. The computerised flow model showed that properties on the east side of the Lossie between Elgin and Lossiemouth would see a lower risk of flooding, but three properties on the west side would be worse off – so the scheme includes work to counter this.
If approved by the Council, the scheme will be advertised and there will be an objection period lasting three months. A planning application will follow in September 2007 and there are other consents and licences required before work can start.
If there are no objections, a start date of August 2008 is planned. However, objections could mean a further delay especially if a Public Local Inquiry is required. The Council will be doing all it can to resolve any objections so that people need wait no longer than necessary for the long awaited relief from flooding misery.