A clash between SEPA and Perth and Kinross Council has potentially placed hundreds of jobs as risk.
The future of a major commercial development in Perth’s North Muirton hangs in the balance over fears that the site is a flood risk.
The environmental protection agency has objected to the building of eight commercial units at Arran Road and Kilda Road because of its concerns over the danger of flooding.
Unable to reach an agreement the matter will now go to the Scottish Government for a decision or they could opt for a public inquiry.
At stake, according to the council, are anywhere between 90 and 650 jobs depending on whether the units used for storage or as offices, though they conceded it would likely be towards the lower end of the scale.
“SEPA has objected in principle to any form of development on this site on the grounds that it may place buildings and persons at risk of flooding contrary to Scottish planning policy,” development quality manager Nick Brian told councillors.
The council argue that the risk of flooding has been countered by the multi-million flood defences that were constructed along the Tay after the city suffered catastrophic flooding.
“As a result of the 1993 Perth floods, a flood protection scheme was built extending from the Mill lade intake at Almondbank to Friarton Bridge downstream of Perth,” said Mr Brian.
“The application site is within the area protected by that flood protection scheme, which provides protection to the area from a one in 250 year flood event.”
Central to the argument appears to be a differing interpretation of the site history – SEPA describe it as “greenfield” while the council maintain it has subject to infrastructure work and should be regarded as “brownfield”.
SEPA have told the council that “the cornerstone of sustainable flood risk management is the avoidance of flood risk in the first instance”.
“They recommend that alternative locations be considered,” noted the report to councillors.
Councillors at the most recent meeting of the development control committee were told that despite negotiations SEPA had made their formal objection “quite clear” leaving a referral to the Scottish Government as the only course available.
Council legal manager Geoff Fogg said that they sought to avoid such conflicts as a council but it had happened in the past.
Councillors approved the application and that it be referred to Scottish ministers.
