East Ayrshire councillors from all parties have joined forces in calling for a summit with Scottish ministers to discuss planning restrictions imposed by SEPA.
The changes could have an impact on future developments across the area including Dalmellington.
Members raised concerns at a meeting of Cabinet recently in response to the Scottish Government’s new National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which was adopted in February 2023.
Flooding caused by climate change now features in planning policy, meaning that no new development – except essential infrastructure and water-compatible developments – will be allowed on designated flood plains.
Under the terms of the policy, any development of land at risk of flooding will only be supported if it is a redevelopment of previously existing sites in built-up areas where the Local Development Plan has identified a need for positive use and where resilience can be secured in accordance with SEPA advice.
East Ayrshire Council said the implications of this are far-reaching for parts of the area in terms of regeneration, economic growth, investment potential and development opportunities, and councillors unanimously agreed that SEPA should be challenged against this policy.
The main sources of funding for flood prevention schemes come from the Scottish Government and whilst East Ayrshire has benefited from some of this funding in the past, it is unlikely that East Ayrshire will receive funding for future flood prevention schemes in the short to medium-term, due to high demand from other areas across Scotland and limited resources.
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council expressed his concern, and his views were shared by other councillors present.
He said: "I've already written to Mairi McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition to invite her to East Ayrshire to discuss these issues in more detail with her to ensure we are doing all that we can to continue to protect our communities from future flooding events and regenerate our towns, and for her to see for herself some of the areas affected by this new policy.
"Given the strength of feeling expressed by fellow members in the chamber this week, I will now be writing to the First Minister to express these concerns, and I have received cross-party agreement to arrange a summit involving Scottish Government, SEPA and other agencies as required to explore this matter further."
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