Stricter rules scupper plans for Kilmarnock housing estate on flood plain

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Stricter rules around building homes in areas deemed a flood risk have persuaded councillors to refuse a planned housing development in Kilmarnock.One councillor described the situation as ‘very disappointing’ as she questioned officers about the ongoing barrier to development in south central Kilmarnock due to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency’s (SEPA) position.The proposal would see 62 new homes built on the site of the old Stoddard Carpet Factory off Barbadoes Road, the second phase of building by developer Clowes Scotland.SNP councillor Clare Maitland commented on the fact that the first phase was approved under a less strict local development plan than the one currently in place.She said: “Is there any mitigating circumstances we can put in place for that?”Fiona Finlay, Development Management Team Leader, replied: “Unfortunately, there isn’t.

It is a very hard decision and we have seen how the application has been progressed through the years.“We are now faced with a local development plan and NPF4, where the application does not comply with primary policies.“We have objections from SEPA who are a statutory flood and safety consultee, and we have objections from our local flood prevention.“I do appreciate it’s a difficult decision I do appreciate that you know the developer has taken it so far down the line but unfortunately we have to determine the application is in accordance with the development plan.”Cllr Maitland asked for an explanation of why ‘land raising’ was allowed to be used to address flooding in the first phase but not in the second phase.Ms Finlay said: “I think SEPA’s position has changed over the years.