Overview
The scheme was developed to outline design stage, and it was published in 2023, with a number of objections received. Dumfries and Galloway council made the preliminary decision to confirm the scheme and has been asked by Scottish Government to hold a hearing to consider the matter further. The hearing will be held in Newton Stewart and a reporter has been appointed to conduct the hearing process. Background information and all documents relevant to the hearing can be found in this guide and will be updated as arrangements for the hearing progress.
Background
Developing a flood protection scheme for Newton Stewart was one of the agreed actions in the Solway Local Flood Risk Management Plans 2016 to 22 and 2022 to 28, in addition to being included in the SEPA Flood Risk Management Plans (Solway Local Plan District) 2015 and 2021. The project has also been identified as national priority 25 out of 42 schemes (and 4 of 4 locally).
The preferred scheme comprises direct defences (walls and embankments) that will provide a 1 in 200 standard of protection. The estimated total project cost at outline design stage (all costs to date and estimated to completion to a mid-point of 2026) is £18.5 million. The council has committed funding to this scheme in its capital programme and Scottish Government has provided an 80% contribution.