AN ambitious £14.5million plan to tackle flooding issues affecting the Upper Garnock Valley area has moved another step forward.

Cabinet members at North Ayrshire Council have agreed to confirm the Upper Garnock Flood Protection Scheme and that means that the proposals will now go to Scottish Ministers for consideration.

The scheme was drawn up following extensive consultation in Kilbirnie and Dalry and proposes major investment work along the River Garnock.

The aim of it is to help reduce the risk of flooding from the river and as a result, prevent disruptions to local people’s lives and damage to nearby roads, homes and businesses.

During the formal notification period – held between September 28 and October 26, 2015 - a total of five objections to the scheme were lodged from local landowners and SEPA.

Since then, the council has attempted to resolve these objections in line with the guidance contained in the relevant legislation. However, it has not been possible to satisfactorily resolve the landowner objections.

Given the length of time that these negotiations have taken, Cabinet has now agreed to take a preliminary decision to confirm the final scheme with unresolved objections and to notify Scottish Ministers.

This will allow Scottish Ministers to either decide to consider the scheme and hold a Public Local Inquiry or revert the matter to North Ayrshire Council to hold a Public Hearing before determining whether the scheme will be approved, confirmed with modifications, or rejected.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “The preparation of this flood protection scheme has been a major undertaking for North Ayrshire Council and we have considered every possible option.

“We have taken on board all the comments received during the consultation and believe it is now right that we move it forward to the next stage.”

Councillor John Bell, Member for the Kilbirnie and Beith ward, said: “I welcome the flood protection scheme which, in time, will hopefully offer peace of mind and security to those potentially affected by flooding.

“We now hope that the scheme can move forward and I’m sure the residents of the Upper Garnock area share that view.”

The cost of the combined scheme is currently estimated to be £14.5 million.

Schemes confirmed by the Government receive 80 per cent of eligible costs and the council has made a provision within its capital plan to contribute 20 per cent towards a confirmed scheme.