A new flood prevention scheme for the Denburn in Aberdeen was unanimously backed by councillors yesterday.
The introduction of a permanent system follows widespread problems in December 2012 which hit the Queen’s Cross and Fountainhall areas particularly badly.
Businesses and properties in the west end were submerged in water, which caused hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage.
A major factor was the Denburn overflowing on to Beaconsfield Lane and Fountainhall Road.
A wall of sandbags was erected as an temporary measure, but work has been ongoing to find a long-term solution.
Council officials said the new scheme is designed to protect against a “one-in-200-year event” for properties in the Queen’s Cross, Fountainhall, Mackie Place and Jack’s Brae areas.
A water detention pond will be created in a flood plain area near Stronsay Drive and King’s Gate.
It is designed to hold back large quantities of water at times of “exceptional” rainfall. The area will also be fenced off for safety reasons.
Council leader Barney Crockett said: “By retaining water on an existing flood plain for a short period of time, flooding and damage to properties further down the Denburn can be prevented.”
Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross Liberal Democrat ward member Jennifer Stewart, who arranged a public meeting to allow locals to quiz council officials on the scheme, welcomed the decision.
She said: “It is a long time coming, some of the businesses have experienced flooding for the sixth time, they can only take so much.”
Earlier, Rosemount and Midstocket councillor Bill Cormie made a deputation on behalf of his constituents.
The SNP member said local residents have discovered “raw sewage” going into the Denburn during flooding, a situation which was confirmed by Mike Cheyne, the council’s general operations manager.
Mr Cheyne conceded Scottish Water had the right to discharge sewage in times of heavy rainfall. However, he said the company should also clear out hakes, which can become blocked with debris, adding to the problem. The committee agreed to relay the concerns to Scottish Water.