Direct Defences

The form of defences adopted for the Scheme were generally based on a series of
earth embankments and retaining walls, the location of which was chosen to prese
rve as much of the existing flood plain as practical and preserve property bound
aries where possible.
Design Standards
The level of defence adopted for the River Kelvin Flood Prevention Scheme (the S
cheme) was the greater of the predicted 1 in 100 year return period flood event
or the December 1994 flood level. A freeboard allowance of 0.5 metres above the
predicted 1 in 100 year flood water levels and 0.3 metres above the December 199
4 flood water levels were also to be incorporated into the Scheme.
Future Raising
Given the uncertainties in predicting hydrological variations and the current in
ternational thinking on the effect of climate change, the design of flood defenc
es had to take into account the possibility of future raising to be accommodated
without major works. In relation to retaining walls, the foundations had to be
designed to withstand a potential flood level 0.5 metres higher than the current
design level. In addition, seepage cut offs had to be installed deep enough to
withstand the increased hydrostatic pressure without any additional seepage.
Secondary Flooding
In addition to providing protection against overland fluvial flooding, the desig
n also considered the possibility of secondary flooding from the drainage system
. A number of pumping stations were required to maintain the discharge of surfac
e water during a flood event, particularly where overland flow was now prevented
due to the construction of flood defences.
Public Consultation
Extensive consultation with the public and the Scottish Executive was carried ou
t during the preparation of the Scheme. This took the form of meetings and publi
c exhibitions where feedback was encouraged. Following these detailed discussion
s the Scheme was amended prior to the Scheme being formally advertised.
Benefit: Cost Assessment
A benefit: cost assessment of the Scheme was carried out in accordance with MAFF
guidelines. Direct damages were calculated using the methodology published by t
he Middlesex University Flood Hazard Research Centre and updated in the FLAIR Ma
nual.
The resultant ratio was 1.2 and is in excess of the minimum acceptable value set
by the Scottish Executive and entitles the Council to financial support of the
costs expended following confirmation by the Scottish Ministers.
Flood Prevention Scheme Submission
Under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act, 1961, the Council

is required to publish the Scheme and issue notices and copies of

the Scheme to all affected parties and place advertisements in the local press a
nd Edinburgh Gazette.
Following advertisement of the Scheme a number of objections were received from
individuals and businesses affected by the Scheme. The majority of these objecti
ons were withdrawn through negotiation although three objections remained. The C
ouncil exhausted all avenues in trying to negotiate with the remaining objectors
and requested that a Local Public Inquiry be held.
Local Public Inquiry
Two of the objections were from developers who owned land within the natural flo
odplain, which would not be protected by the Scheme. Both objectors had previous
ly been refused planning permission for their proposed developments in the flood
plain and had lost their appeals. They objected to the Scheme on the basis that
it would affect their ability to develop the sites should the necessary approva
ls be granted in the future.
The final objection came from a golf club several kilometres downstream of the S
cheme who were concerned that the Scheme would lead to an increase in the freque
ncy of flooding to their course.
The Inquiry initially commenced in September 1999 and was suspended until Decemb
er 1999 to allow further studies to be carried out. The Inquiry heard evidence f
rom the three objectors together with evidence from supporters of the Scheme inc
luding the local Flood Action Group.
Following a period of six months after the inquiry, the Reporters recommended th
at the objections be dismissed and the Scheme be confirmed without modification.