Ban on building near Inverness watercourses under consideration

A BAN on building near Inverness watercourses to try to prevent flooding is one suggestion being made in draft guidance for developers.

Highland Council is drawing up more detailed guidance for builders following heavy public criticism of the local drainage system and claims of overdevelopment following floods which hit the area over the past two months.

Flooding caused considerable damage in Culloden and Smithton and council consultants are now carrying out a flood review.

The local authority says one change in its policy could be a "no development buffer" alongside watercourses within development sites.

This would reduce the building area on sites but would allow for natural changes in the alignment of burns, reduce the risk of blockages and prevent damage to adjoining properties.

During the autumn, the council will ask the public and developers to comment on a draft of the new advice, which has been prepared with technical input from various sources including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The council says it has been in preparation for some time but has been augmented to reflect the outcomes of the recent floods.

Officials say the purpose is to ensure flooding is not made any worse in an area after development is turned into detailed planning, construction and maintenance practice.

The guidance also sets out the wider context on "who does what" in terms of flooding responsibilities which should aid the public’s understanding of the role of each public agency, developers and individuals.

The matter will be discussed by the council’s planning environment and development committee on Wednesday.

A copy of the guidance will be available via the council’s web site and paper copies will be available free of charge.