Fears have been raised that a replacement primary school planned for Inverurie could be hit by future floods.
Proposals for a new Market Place School were backed by Aberdeenshire Council’s education, learning and leisure committee yesterday, despite the concerns brought to light by the recent extreme weather.
Both the Ury and the River Don overflowed in early January, devastating homes and businesses in Inverurie, Port Elphinstone and Kintore.
But yesterday, the committee was shown drawings that indicated the school – which will be built a mile and a half north of the current site, off the B9170 Inverurie to Oldmeldrum road – would not be impacted if the Ury burst its banks again.
However, council officers did admit the playing fields would be at risk in future years.
Councillor Isobel Davidson called for the council to consider other sites for the new Market Place School.
She said: “In light or recent events since Christmas I do think we need to fully review the new school proposals.
“I absolutely accept officers and others have assessed the flood plan, however at the same time we know now that flood events are changing. We know this site is going to flood at some point.
“Anecdotal evidence from people in Inverurie is that what we saw in January is not the highest the Ury has ever been.”
She was echoed by Huntly councillor Moira Ingleby, who added: “We are being told it is not going to affect the building but it is obviously going to impact hugely on the greens there.”
But Rachael Goldring, the council’s learning estates team leader, said: “The engineering works taking place will make sure the school will be protected.”
Head of resources and performance at the local authority, Craig Clement, said the issue of flooding on the school playing field was a “risk the council is taking”.
Councillor Martin Ford said the issues of flood prevention was a “planning decision” and not one for yesterday’s committee.
He added: “There are clearly a number of issues at Market Place School as it stands. The council has had this plan for a number of years now. It will bring real benefits. I am happy to accept the recommendations.”
The local authority carried out a public consultation on the replacement of the primary last year, concluding it should be closed to allowed for the replacement to built during the 2016/17 term.
Pupils will be temporarily taught at the forthcoming Uryside School, which was given approval in 2014.