The Scottish Government has given its backing to £15million proposals to protect an Aberdeenshire town from future flooding.
The Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme will not face a public inquiry despite a number of local objections to Aberdeenshire Council’s plans to safeguard the community from further deluges.
Homes were devastated in Stonehaven in 2009 and 2012 when the River Carron burst its banks, with locals calling for protection ever since.
The proposed scheme involves building glass-topped flood walls about 6.5ft high and installing self-closing barriers along the Carron.
The river’s Red Bridge would be replaced, the Green Bridge moved, the White Bridge elevated and the Beach Bridge strengthened.
Holyrood ministers say they are content with the designs drawn up after councillors backed the scheme in principle.
The Scottish Government had to be informed due to outstanding objections from locals which could not be addressed.
The local authority will now hold a public hearing on the scheme and appoint an independent reporter to make a recommendation, which will be reported back to councillors.
Last night objector John Briggs said flood protection should have been put in place “six years ago”.
His Persian Rugs store on Stonehaven’s Bridgefield, on the banks of the Carron, was flooded out during both events.
Mr Briggs said: “I would still object to the scheme. I welcome a local inquiry. What has been going on as regards the scheme needs to be brought to public attention.
“Most people aren’t aware what is going on here. I am probably the most affected by the proposed scheme, but regardless of that I think it is wrong. We can’t afford to be flooded again.”
He added he could end up having panelling going “right along” his building – which dates back 300 years – if the scheme is approved.
A council spokesman said all views would be considered as part of the public hearing.
He added: “A number of consultations have allowed both supporters and objectors to the scheme to give their views up to this point, shaping the final scheme as proposed.
“Given the need to hold a public hearing, it is unlikely that works on the ground will start before mid to late 2017, as officers and some members of the community had hoped.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish ministers have reviewed the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme
and have decided not to call it in for consideration.”
