Gondolin Land & Water recently supported APT Planning & Development with the delivery of a Coastal Flood Risk Assessment in Scotland for a proposed development at Western Harbour, Leith. Being adjacent to the Firth of Forth, the site is located on a tidally influenced coastal environment, with flood risk influenced by water levels and associated wave action.
Located approximately 2km from our office, this project forms part of the regeneration of Edinburgh’s waterfront and is of particular local interest to our team.
The Water of Leith, leading through The Shore to Western Harbour.
Detailed Coastal Flood Risk Assessment Approach
Coastal sites such as this require a more detailed approach than standard screening assessments, with flood risk influenced not only by tidal levels, but also by wave climate and overtopping potential. Recognising this, our team undertook a site-specific assessment to better understand the interaction between these factors and how they may affect the proposed development.
The assessment was informed by a combination of:
- Design tidal water levels, including appropriate climate change allowances
- Wave modelling and overtopping analysis to understand potential exceedance mechanisms
- Consideration of joint probability effects, where elevated sea levels and wave conditions coincide
This approach allowed for a more robust understanding of flood risk at the site, moving beyond reliance on strategic flood mapping and ensuring that site-specific coastal processes were appropriately considered.
Taking account of climate change, the assessment concluded that the proposed development can be designed to remain safe from coastal flooding, while avoiding any increase in flood risk elsewhere.
Western Harbour, Plot A1 Site Location Plan
Supporting Sustainable Coastal Development in Scotland
Gondolin Land & Water have a proven track record in providing support for Property & Urban Regeneration developments throughout the UK. Our team are well versed and knowledgeable in this area, providing tailored solutions and design services often in space constrained or unique sites, including those associated with coastal environments.
Projects local to our team are particularly meaningful. As a Leith-based business, contributing to the development of Edinburgh’s waterfront is something we are proud to support.
