A partnership has been formed to aid developers in finding innovative ways of managing surface water from sites across Dundee.
Dundee City Council announced that it will work with Scottish Water to find solutions to the complex issues caused by surface water.
The local authority said it is aiming to increase the development of private and affordable housing across the city and to enable the sale of land it owns.
It added that by redeveloping brownfield sites for housing can lead to pressure on public road drainage and combined sewer system, with rainwater run-off from roofs and grounds surfaces needing to be dealt with in a sustainable way and with benefits which reduce flood risk, allow for place making and aid biodiversity.
Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said, “This is a great example of two public bodies working together to find solutions to complex issues.
“The work is a testament to the will of the council’s officers and Scottish Water to enable development that benefits everyone, from someone who needs a quality home, to those employed in construction, and ultimately to the whole city which will be a more vibrant and attractive place where people choose to live, learn and work.”
Mark Hunter, Scottish Water’s general manager for development services, added, “The challenges presented by drainage are complex and hugely important, especially in large urban areas. There are shared responsibilities which make a multi-agency approach vital to finding and delivering long term solutions that support economic development.
“The joint work that has been taking place with Dundee City Council is a great example of what can be achieved. We need to manage surface water in a way that is sustainable and resilient for the long term, especially in the context of the climate crisis. There are real opportunities to support growth, manage the risk of flooding better and create new places for people and wildlife that enhance our towns and cities.”
Dundee City Council listed the following sites that could benefit from the partnership: the former James Keiller/Maryfield Goods Yard at Mains Loan, the former St. Mary’s Infant School at Lochee Road and surplus school sites at Rockwell, Lochee primary, Hillside and Gowriehill.
