Flooding

Report Flooding

The Related link on this page titled, Report a Roads or Footpaths Fault, will take you to our on-line fault reporting.

If there is an immediate risk to life or you are trapped by floodwater please call the Emergency Services – 999.

Flooding can have a detrimental impact on people and businesses, and can be caused by a number of factors such as:

  • Rivers
  • Coastal
  • Surface water
  • Groundwater
  • Drain, sewer and broken water mains.

Inverclyde Council has a duty to protect the people and businesses within its jurisdiction against the impacts of flooding.

Flood Prevention Works

The links on this page, titled Glenmosston Flood Protection Scheme 2021 and Gotter Water Flood Prevention Works 2023 will allow you view information relating to Flood Prevention Schemes.

Legislation

Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (FRM Act 2009)

This act came into force on 16 June 2009 - replacing the previous Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961. It aims to provide an efficient and sustainable approach to flood-risk management in Scotland.

National Planning Framework 4

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) is the national spatial strategy for Scotland.  It sets out the spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning policy.  It should be read as a whole and replaces NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy.

Local Flood Risk Management Plan​​

The Clyde and Loch Lomond (CaLL) Local Plan District, Local Flood Risk Management Plan (LFRMP) was published in June 2016.

The Documents link on this page, titled Flood, will allow you to view The Local Flood Risk Management Plan.

Statutory Bodies

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

SEPA is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator.  Its main purpose is to protect and improve Scotland’s environment.  Inverclyde Council and other stakeholders work in partnership to minimise flood risk to any existing and proposed development, ensuring it complies with SPP.

The External link on this page titled, SEPA, is a useful source of information providing live flooding updates.

Scottish Water

Scottish Water is a publicly-owned company answerable to the Scottish Government, responsible for providing the delivery of fresh drinking water to all households in Scotland and also the removal of waste water and surface water every day. Scottish Water has an intensive network of surface, foul and combined sewers throughout the Inverclyde Council area.

The External link on this page titled, Water, can be used for fault reporting - such as:

  • No water supply
  • Water leak/bursts
  • Sewer flooding
  • Water pressure
  • Water quality or contamination.

Scottish Flood Forum – Flood Advice an​d Support

The Scottish Flood Forum is a charitable organisation which provides support and represents people affected by – or at risk of flooding.

The External link on this page titled, Forum, will take you to their website.

UK Government - FloodRe – Flood Insurance

Flood Re is the National scheme designed to help provide better access to affordable home insurance for those in high flood-risk areas across the UK. It represents a long-term, sustainable approach to providing home insurance for those at flood risk.

It is important that people at high flood-risk in your area shop around for the best insurance policy.

The External link on this page titled, Insurance, will take you to their website where you can find a list of participating insurers.

Historic Flood Events

Inverclyde Council records all historical flood events which have been reported. Data held helps the Council to be proactive in terms of identifying problem areas by reviewing where flood events are and prioritising by severity.

The Council's flood risk and design team work closely together to improve any known issues that directly impact the road or watercourse network.

Blocked Road Drainage

Road gullies are cleaned at least once a year but there are vulnerable areas where blockages can occur more regularly.

Flood alerts and warnings

Homeowners, who are within an area covered by SEPA flood monitoring, will be able to sign up to receive flood alerts for their local area. It is recommended that property owners register and become aware of potential flooding risk due to rainfall events.

Follow the External link on this page titled, Floodline, to register.

Flood Risk

It is property owner’s responsibility to manage your own flood risk and protect yourself, your family, home and business. Being prepared by knowing what to do and who to contact if flooding happens, can help you reduce the damage and disruption flooding can have on your life.

Inverclyde Council maintain the road gullies and Transport Scotland maintain Trunk road assets.

Flood Risk Assessment & Surface Water Management Assessment: Planning Guidance for Developers

This guidance document has been produced by Inverclyde Council to assist developers and consulting engineers when preparing a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP).  In an attempt to reduce the amount of flooding which affects new developments, National Policies and the Local Development Plan (LDP) now require additional information and evidence, including FRA’s and SWMP’s, to accompany planning applications.  By following this guidance it is anticipated that submitted assessments will be comprehensive, clear and concise.

Inverclyde Council implement a self-certification process for the preparation of flood risk and drainage assessments.  An FRA is required in instances where the site has one or more of the following:

  • The online SEPA Flood Maps identify flooding at, or nearby, the site from any source.
  • Historic flooding has been recorded in the area.
  • The proposed development is close to a watercourse, drainage ditch, or water body that poses a potential flood risk (within 50m)
  • The development comprises of more than 5 dwellings
  • Industrial or commercial developments greater than 250m2

Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) are required for all applications.  The purpose of the SWMP is to demonstrate how surface water will be drained from the site and how attenuation and treatment requirements will be satisfied.

The requirements are set out in the Documents link on this page tilted FRA & SWMP Guidance.