Town & Country Planning

The Highland Council

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1999

PROPOSED FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME AT CITY CENTRE, INVERNESS, HIGHLAND

The Highland Council has received two planning applications accompanied by an Environmental Statement for the construction of a flood alleviation scheme with associated ancillary work. The two applications cover both banks of the River Ness: the Upper Section between Ness Islands and Ness Bridge; and the Tidal section covering the river mouth to the Ness Bridge both in the centre of Inverness, Highland.

The proposed flood alleviation scheme comprises the construction of riverbank defences on both banks of the river between the Ness Islands and the river mouth. The aim of the defences is to contain flows in the River Ness that are in excess of its maximum capacity, which currently causes flooding with associated disruption to infrastructure and the public, as well as damage to both commercial and residential properties.

Under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, which enables local authorities to take measures to prevent, or mitigate, the flooding of non-agricultural land, The Highland Council (THC) are currently promoting two Flood Prevention Schemes to alleviate flooding of the River Ness:

The Highland Council, River Ness (Upper Section), Flood Prevention Scheme (2008): covers approximately 1 km of the river, between the Ness Islands and Ness Bridge. This section of the river is predominantly affected by fluvial flooding.

The Highland Council, River Ness (Tidal Section), Flood Prevention Scheme (2008): covers approximately 2 km of the river, between Ness Bridge and the mouth of the river. This section of the river is predominantly affected by tidal flooding, although there is some fluvial flood risk between Ness Bridge and the Waterloo Bridge.

Both schemes are being submitted concurrently, and are supported by one Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Planning Application Ref: 08/00862/FULIN

The applicants are THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL

Copies of the Planning Application and Environmental Statement can be inspected during normal office hours at the following locations:

1.  The Planning and Building Standards Office, 1-3 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1DY

2.  The Planning and Development Service, Council Offices, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness

3.  The Highland Council Service Point, 23 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1DY

Copies of the Environmental Statement may be purchased from THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL, at a cost of £125 for the printed copy and £15 for a copy on CDROM. Copies of the Non Technical Summary are available from The HighlandCouncil, TEC Services for £10. (Tel: 01349 865 261).

Any person wishing to make representations to the Highland Council should make them in writing to the Director of Planning and Development, Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX within a period of 28 days beginning with the date of the publication of this notice on the 17th October 2008. For the avoidance of doubt the 28 day period for making representations shall end at the close of business on Friday the 14 November 2008.

Stuart Black

Director of Planning and Development