Local authority councillors are set to make a “final decision” on the massive multi-million pound Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme later this month.

The proposed scheme has been developed to help reduce flood risk across Grangemouth and neighbouring communities and Falkirk Council members will be asked to take the final statutory decision on a project which aims to help protect around 2760 homes, 1200 businesses and nationally important infrastructure from flooding.

A report is due to go before the council's Executive on Thursday, September 17 which recommends confirming the proposed scheme without modification following

completion of the statutory consultation and objection process required under flood risk legislation.

The Grange Burn in Grangemouth will be one of the areas the flood prevention scheme will focus on (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — The Grange Burn in Grangemouth will be one of the areas the flood prevention scheme will focus on (Picture: Submitted)

Grangemouth and the surrounding area have been identified by SEPA and the Scottish Government as one of Scotland's highest flood risk areas because of the

potential impact flooding could have on communities, businesses, transport networks and infrastructure.

The recommendation follows a lengthy period of engagement and consultation, including public exhibitions, community events, formal notification of more than 10,000 interested parties and a hearing to consider the outstanding objections.

An independent reporter appointed to examine objections and hear evidence recommended that the scheme be confirmed without modification.

In order to be confirmed, the scheme must also comply with habitat regulations with councillors also being asked to make a decision on at the same time.

The recommendations before councillors relate to the final statutory decisions required at this stage of the project.

Subject to approval, further detailed design, procurement, funding and delivery decisions would still be required before flood defences can be constructed and

brought into operation in the coming years.

Paul Kettrick, council head of investment, assets and climate, said: Flooding can be devastating for people's homes, businesses and communities, and the impact can last long after the water has gone.

"Grangemouth and the surrounding area face some of the highest flood risks in Scotland. As the climate changes, those risks are predicted to grow.

"The recommendations before councillors are about the final statutory decisions needed at this stage. If approved, the scheme would move beyond the notification stage and into the next phases.

"While there is still significant work ahead before flood defences are delivered on the ground, this would be an important milestone in moving the scheme forward.”