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Public Inquiry Into £103 Million Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme Underway
A public inquiry concerning East Lothian Council’s proposed £103 million Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme commenced this week in Musselburgh. The inquiry follows the Council’s approval of the scheme, which has received more than 500 unresolved objections.
Fraser McAllister, a former councillor for Musselburgh, expressed significant concerns during the inquiry about the height of the proposed flood barriers, likening them to being nearly as tall as the Berlin Wall. He described promotional images showing the proposed walls reaching only to people’s shoulders as ‘disingenuous’ and warned they risk becoming a canvas for graffiti, which could alter the historical character of the town.
Mr McAllister suggested that alternative flood protection methods, such as nature-based levees used along the Mississippi River in the United States, should be considered instead. He highlighted the need for contextual understanding by explaining that references to Musselburgh’s most severe flood in modern times, which occurred in 1948, overlooked that the town had recently experienced one of its worst winters, with much of the flooding attributed to snowmelt.
The inquiry’s initial hearings aim to assist the Reporter in identifying areas warranting further investigation at upcoming sessions scheduled for next month, which are being held at Eskmills Venue in Musselburgh.
Dr Dina Aitken also contributed to the inquiry, revealing a significant discrepancy in predictions regarding the number of homes and businesses at risk of flooding in Musselburgh, with estimates ranging from 900 to over 3,000 properties depending on different reports. She called for ‘real-time evidence’ to clarify the potential impact of flooding events, emphasising the challenges posed by varying data interpretations.
In response to concerns about the accuracy of flood risk assessments, Reporter Paul Cackette acknowledged the existing ‘wide discrepancy’ in numbers and stated he would review all related reports moving forward.
James Findlay, KC, representing the council, countered allegations of ‘deliberate misinformation’ made by one objector and urged those opposing the scheme to maintain “courtesy and respect” throughout the inquiry.
One of the persistent themes among objections to the flood protection scheme has been the adequacy of community consultation. Former Musselburgh councillor Margaret McKay remarked that the necessity of a public inquiry was a “tragedy.” She noted the community’s wealth of experience and knowledge that could have contributed to the planning process, lamenting that this valuable input had not been more effectively utilised.
The inquiry is ongoing.
