A Perth and Kinross Council flood study has recommended measures - costing around £310,000 - to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the Craigie Burn catchment area.
The study - carried out by Amey Consulting - highlights a history of significant flooding in this area of Perth dating back to September 1981 with the most recent notable events in August 2020 and September 2022.
The draft study's recommendations are deemed as "a cost-effective and beneficial solution to reduce flood risk and protect the properties in the area".
Members of the public are this week being invited to join the first of two public drop-in sessions to view and comment on the Craigie Burn Flood Study.
The first drop-in session was held on June 20, with the second on June 28, at the Hay Room, Dewars Centre from 2-8pm.
The flood management measures recommended are seen as being the best option out of a shortlist of 13 different options. The recommended option is estimated to cost around £310,000 but has a benefit-cost ratio of 1.42.
The draft study recommends upgrading the Queen’s Avenue culvert.
It states: "The existing culvert isn't big enough to handle the flow of water during heavy rain, so it is recommended this be increased in size. This would significantly reduce flood risk in this area by allowing the one per cent AEP [Annual Exceedence Probability] flood flow to pass through unimpeded."
The option also recommends modifying the channel at Balmoral Place and Queen's Avenue. The draft study has concluded "increasing the culvert capacity and removing the existing constraint will also reduce the amount of sediment being deposited in this section of the Craigie Burn" which Amey Consulting estimates could potentially lower the Craigie Burn's bed by approximately 200mm increasing the channel capacity. However it warns this would require further investigation.
The study concludes: "This recommended option is a cost-effective and beneficial solution to reduce flood risk and protect the properties in the area.It is important to note that this option does not completely remove the risk of flooding in the catchment, although it significantly increases the flow capacity at this location (from the 20 per cent AEP event to the one per cent AEP flood event)."
Residents are being encouraged to attend the drop-in sessions and provide their views on the draft study findings and recommendations by completing the online survey by Friday, July 14.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: "These events will allow the community to view and comment on the extensive work carried out as part of the Craigie Burn Flood Study, including:
· Flood risk and flooding mechanisms in the catchment;
· Draft findings for managing flood risk in the future, and;
· Information on existing actions, and measures already in place."
Perth and Kinross council has pledged to respond to any questions raised with a ‘Question and Answer’ report which will be published in due course. A finalised version of the flood study will then be drawn up and the outcome reported to the PKC's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee.
