COUNCIL bosses have declined to answer a number of questions raised about its application to build a new all-weather pitch in Girvan.
Campaigners have argued that the creation of a new pitch in Victory Park will exacerbate flooding problems in the area.
They have also questioned why South Ayrshire Council (SAC) failed to consult Scottish Water, given complaints that the flooding is, in part, a result of the surface water from the park overwhelming the sewerage system.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance also indicated that there was no need for a drainage impact assessment, despite evidence of flooding in the area.
A series of questions were put to SAC over some of the points raised in the report, which will be considered by the authority's regulatory panel on Thursday, June 23.
However, none of the questions were directly answered, with the council merely stating: “A report has been prepared by our planning service to assist the Regulatory Panel in their decision making process.
“The report outlines the council’s position on all relevant matters.”
Here are the questions submitted to the council:
1. Why did the Ayrshire Roads Alliance indicate that there was no need for a drainage impact assessment when there is clear evidence of flooding in and around Victory Park – particularly related to the run off of surface water on the park into the Mill Burn? There is also visual evidence of this surface water impacting the sewer system, with surging manholes and backing up of water.
2. Did planners consider the fact that the Mill Burn and the adjacent homes affected by the flooding are clearly within the SEPA flood map as a high risk area i.e. 10% chance of flooding?
3. Why was Scottish Water not consulted when it is claimed that the surface water run off (which Scottish Water have pointed out is the council’s responsibility) is putting pressure on SW’s sewer system? They claim to have never received a complaint about flooding but agreed to look at the area if there was evidence of flooding from the sewer system and manhole surging, of which there is visual evidence.
4. Has the council sought an updated position on the EnviroCentre flood risk assessment? They recommend updating if an application is being considered more than 12 months after the assessment is compiled.
5. The EnviroCentre report appears to consider flooding risk exclusively within the boundaries of Victory Park, where the objectors are concerned about the impact beyond the park caused by runoff and inadequate drainage?
6. Was flooding beyond the boundaries of the park considered and if so can you point me to the documents in question?
7. Will the all weather pitch be designed specifically to mitigate flooding, including the difference between water absorbing natural grass and non absorbent synthetic surfaces?
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