Climate change threatens development of Leith docks

Edinburgh City council has warned project bosses about possible flood risks to The Harbour redevelopment project of Leith Docks in the capital's Leith area as a result of climate change.

The council’s transport and engineering department has warned that the area may be prone to flooding because of rising sea levels caused by changes in the climate.

The area affected is part of the port just north of Ocean Terminal, which is being redeveloped in a multi-million pound project which could last a further 20 years.

Forth Ports, the company which oversees the project, have now been told to improve flood defences amid worries that the multi-billion pound project could be flooded.

Alvin Barber, a flood prevention expert for the council said: “There is uncertainty about the predicted extreme water levels, both at present and as a result of climate change.

“The drawings submitted show flow paths in the event of a storm which exceeds the capacity of the drainage system, causing surcharge and overland flow.”

He added: “This is generally satisfactory, but shows an area where this flow could cause flooding of a proposed building. The proposed development should not increase the risk of flooding of any building, existing or proposed.”

The Docks are currently being revamped to include new homes, retail outlets and commercial space. There are also plans for nine “urban villages” and a new cruise liner terminal.

A spokesman for Forth Ports said: “Forth Ports continues to work closely and constructively with City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department in relation to the application for The Harbour, Leith Docks.

“Forth Ports is well aware of its statutory responsibilities which are independent of the application. However the transport, traffic and engineering department’s letter contains material inaccuracies and Forth Ports does not agree with its conclusions.

“The Environmental Statement submitted with the application demonstrates that there is no increased flood risk as a result of the proposed development.”

The council has advised that Forth Ports ensure certain conditions are met in the project, including ground height 5.5m above sea level. Officials have also requested the removal of all buildings from potential storm flooding plains.