Inverness riverside sewer flooding increase caused by heavier rains linked to climate change sparks Scottish Water removable barrier plan on historic Highland building
Increased sewer flooding incidents along the River Ness have sparked plans to install a flood barrier on a historic building.
Scottish Water has lodged plans to install a removable flood barrier in the main entrance doorway of 6 Bank Street as well as flood resistant air vents in its stonework that seal shut in the presence of rising water.
The measures are a response to water run-off flooding incidents at the Bank Street property.
The road is otherwise protected by multi-million pound riverside flood walls and gates, installed alongside the river in 2015 to protect around 800 homes and 200 businesses.
But Scottish Water says that sewer flooding is now "occurring more frequently" during periods of heavy rainfall "in some areas" as a result of climate change.
Citing the need for the barrier and the specialist air vents - dubbed "smart bricks" at 6 Bank Street Scottish Water said: "Buildings in this part of Inverness have been flooded internally on multiple occasions in recent years.
"When sewer flooding occurs it travels overground and enters buildings via external doors and ground level air vents which front onto public roads and footpaths.
"Scottish Water has therefore offered to install flood mitigation to the properties affected, with the customer agreement.
"The installation of a flood barrier and replacement of four external pavement level air vents is therefore proposed at 6 Bank Street to prevent sewer flood water entering the building in future."
They added: “The proposed fixings for the flood barrier and air vents are good quality design which would have no significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the building or surrounding area.”
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