Proposed flood defence work raises concern amongst anglers
The Newton Stewart Flood Protection Scheme will be discussed by councillors next week
Last updated 17th Aug 2023
A public inquiry could be triggered if Dumfries and Galloway Council presses ahead with a controversial flood protection scheme in Newton Stewart.
Councillors previously approved the proposals earlier this year, which then kickstarted a 28-day public consultation, from May 25 to June 23, for local residents to share their views.
There has been a strong reaction from members of the public, with 58 representations received by the council.
Of these representations, 24 have been classed as ‘general objections’ from property owners or individuals who object to the flood protection scheme, and 34 ‘fishing objections’ – from organisations or individuals who object primarily on the potential impact on fishing or fish species.
These included Newton Stewart and District Angling Association (NSDAA), Cree Salmon Fisheries Board, Galloway Fisheries Trust, and members or supporters of the angling association.
They argue about the potential damage flood protection works could do to the “integrity of the River Cree”, and have concerns about protected fish species including salmon and sea trout.
The secretary of NSDAA submitted a written objection, stating: “As owners of a significant part of the impacted river banking, we have not been accorded any involvement in the development of plans to date and because of that we are concerned that NSDAA’s interests have not been sufficiently considered as part of the process.
“We have not been contacted by the scheme’s developers regarding negotiation of access and egress points to the land in our ownership which is subject to the scheme’s works.
“Without agreement on access and egress to our land, with ourselves as landlord, this scheme should not be approved.”
The chairman of the River Cree District Salmon Fishery Board opposed the plans, stating: “There is very little detail contained in any of the current documentation.
“There is no detail on access or exit points from the river. With the proposed flood defence scheme in place, it will not be possible to enter (or more importantly, exit) the river as users currently do.
“There is a very real risk of someone drowning if they cannot exit the river quickly and easily.”
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) confirmed it has no objections to the flood protection scheme, but advised the council that planned engineering works in the project will require separate authorisation from SEPA.
The matter is due to be discussed at the council’s communities committee next Tuesday. Despite the opposition, council officers are recommending that councillors rubber stamp the flood protection scheme plans – which will then result in Scottish Minister becoming involved.
A council officer’s report, due to be tabled at the meeting, reads: “Many of the objections relate to matters which will be considered at the detailed design stage or can be addressed by the mitigations and actions proposed in the responses to the objections.
“Nevertheless, it is likely that some objections will remain. It is on this basis that it is recommended that members make the preliminary decision to confirm the scheme without modifications, thus triggering the next stages which will lead either to a public local inquiry or a local authority hearing.”
If councillors agreed to move forward with the flood protection scheme plans, Scottish Ministers will have to be informed.
They may then decide to ‘call the scheme in’, which will lead to a public local inquiry.
If they do not ‘call the scheme in’, the council will be required to hold a hearing.