Published: Wednesday, 4th June, 2008 12:00
Flood barriers may have to be removed
By Bob Lovik
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Stock at Sterling Furniture was damaged as the River Devon burst its banks in January.
Pic by: David Robertson
A TILLICOULTRY business that lost thousands of pounds worth of stock in the January floods may have to remove flood prevention barriers it erected because it didn’t apply for planning permission.
Sterling Furniture on Moss Road had its stock and showrooms severely damaged when the River Devon burst its banks last winter.
The business recently put up soil barriers around the car park next to the river to protect from any future flooding but did not apply to Clackmannanshire Council for the structure.
While councillors were sympathetic, they still agreed last week during a Regulatory Committee meeting that the barriers may have to be removed because of the violation of planning control.
According to the council, the barrier, which is over one metre high, could increase flooding further along the river or elsewhere in the high risk area.
The council was notified about the barriers after receiving a complaint from a neighbour of the furniture company.
Sterling Furniture’s owner has been contacted and will be meeting representatives of the council this week to discuss the matter further.
A spokesperson for the council said that possible outcomes of the meeting include Sterling applying for retrospective planning permission or the council serving an enforcement notice.
Speaking at last week’s Regulatory Committee, Councillor George Matchett said, “We have a company who suffered during the floods but this action could have an impact in other parts of the river. Why was this done without proper consultation?”
But Mr Matchett added, “We don’t really know what the outcome of this will be. It could end up causing no harm to people down river and as a council we could work with the business to find a solution.”
The January flooding of the River Devon devastated Tillicoultry homes and businesses when the river hit its highest levels in 50 years. Thousands of pounds of Sterling Furniture’s stock was damaged or destroyed when its four halls were flooded and residents living in Elistoun Drive had to be boated out of their homes to safety by firefighters.
Councillor Bobby McGill said, “They have been a wee bit too quick about this.
“Thought needs to go into how we can remedy this problem but we all understand how emotive a matter this is for people whose property was damaged in the floods.”
The manager of Sterling Furniture, Jim McGirr, was on holiday and unavailable for comment.
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