New Public Consultation Dates for First Half of 2023 Release
The Scheme is being advanced through a consultative process to evolve a bespoke flood protection scheme.
The Project Team have been developing the Scheme through a consultative framework since the project’s inception, and have met with many individuals to get their views on what is important for the Scheme. These individuals include local residents, statutory stakeholders, landowners, and business owners, amongst others. This engagement has been invaluable in helping to shape the Scheme thus far and the Project Team are eager to continue building upon the relationships established, and the momentum within the town as the Scheme develops.
There are several reasons why consultation is important to the Scheme. Firstly, consultation with statutory and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure that the Scheme is aware of any laws and regulations that it will interact with or need to abide by. Consultation with the public and organisations allows the Project Team to shape a Scheme that works for local people. Local residents are the ones who are at risk from flooding, but are also the ones who use the spatial environment of Musselburgh on a daily basis. Therefore, they are best placed to offer thoughts on how the Scheme’s design can be evolved to minimise negative impacts and improve the local area.
Who is being consulted?
The Project Team are consulting widely on the Scheme with various different categories of stakeholders. These include the following categories (as defined by the Scheme):
Regulatory Stakeholders (i.e. those who have to make a decision-making input in relation to the Scheme relative to their regulatory / legislative working responsibilities);
Key Stakeholders (i.e. Scottish Water relating to the proposed use of their reservoirs in Midlothian, and Buccleuch Estates / Dalkeith County Park relating to the proposed Upstream Debris Trap by Whitecraig);
The Multiple-Benefit partners (i.e. Fisherrow Harbour & Seafront Association, Scottish Power, ELC regarding the Musselburgh Traffic Management Plan, the Musselburgh Active Toun project, and organisations not yet determined regarding the emerging Musselburgh River Restoration project);
Public Stakeholders (i.e. businesses, the general public, local interest groups etc.); and
Private Land Owners and Occupiers on whose land the proposed new flood defences may be located and / or on which the construction works may need temporary access.
Public Meeting Consultation Programme First Half of 2023
An approved report to East Lothian Council in August 2022, outlined the timeline for Stage 4 – Outline Design. The Scheme is on target to present the finalised Outline Design to Council in January 2024.
The largest and most significant consultation activity is a public exhibition, which will take place over two days at the Brunton Theatre in June 2023, this will be known as Public Exhibition No.2.
Prior to the Public Exhibition No.2, there will be five Local Area Consultations, as defined on the Public Meeting Consultation Programme First Half 2023. These specific areas have been identified as a function of the design challenges at a given location, as the design of the Form of Defence will be more challenging in some locations compared with others.
As below, these Local Area Consultations will be held at the Brunton Esk Rooms, confirmed start time of 6pm until 8pm.
We recognise and value the importance of Public Consultation, through engaging with the public we hope you will become involved and engaged to help deliver the best possible outcome for Musselburgh.
Please click below to download a copy of the Public Meeting Consultation Programme First Half of 2023.
