South Ayrshire Local Plan

Flood Prevention

South Ayrshire is crossed by a number of rivers, most notably the Ayr, Doon, Girvan and Stinchar. With the exception of some localised incidents, developed land within the area is relatively unaffected by flooding and the damage it may cause. However, the Council is mindful of predictions of the impacts of climate change. Accordingly, the Plan aims to identify broad areas where consideration of potential flood risk or mitigation/management measures will be required in order that future flooding problems are not created by new development. Furthermore, in order to help reduce the risk of future flooding problems, and to maximise the capacity of existing infrastructure, the use of sustainable urban drainage methods will be expected to be considered as an integral element of development proposals. The future maintenance regime and responsibility for such drainage will also require to be established at an early stage in the consideration of development proposals.

The Council is also mindful of the effects of climate change on the risk of coastal flooding, and developers should also be aware of the potential risks of developing at coastal locations.

POLICY SERV16u

In areas that the Council considers to be of potential flood risk, the advice of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will be sought to ensure that development only takes place where the applicant is able to prove that the proposal is not threatened by flood risk, or that the threat can be managed to the satisfaction of SEPA. The applicant will also be required to demonstrate that the proposed development would not create a potential new flood risk or exacerbate flood risk elsewhere.

NOTE
Additional information on the flood risk areas, together with the indicative 1 in 100 year flood risk maps as produced by the Institute of Hydrology are available for reference within the Council’s Building Standards Services section.

Specific areas of concern for Policy SERV16 include those identified below, although the list is not considered exclusive and developers should satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the site for the proposed development.

The March Burn, Prestwick

The Pow Burn, Prestwick

Heathfield, Ayr (Half Mile Burn)

Struthers Burn, Troon

Slaphouse Burn, Ayr

In order to protect existing and proposed development, the Council will not normally permit development on areas of potential flood risk unless SEPA is satisfied that appropriate mitigating measures are provided. All such measures which SEPA may require will be undertaken wholly at the expense of the prospective developer.