The risk of flooding in the Downfield area is set to be assessed in a new report by two local authorities.
Angus Council and Dundee City Council have commissioned a flood protection study after assessing the Dighty Water as a “potentially vulnerable area.”
Hundreds of residential and non-residential properties in the area are thought to be at risk from flooding from the Dighty.
The report will assess whether there are ways to combat flood risks in Downfield, along with areas like Monifieth, posed by the burn, and could see further flood prevention measures introduced.
The report should be completed by the end of next year.
The Dighty is renowned for bursting its banks following spells of heavy rainfall. Past years have seen local homes damaged as a result of the burn overflowing, and parks have been transformed into marshlands.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said: “We’re taking the lead in commissioning a flood protection study covering Downfield & Dundee and Monifieth & Sidlaws, working in tandem with officers at Dundee City Council.
“The study will take a sustainable approach in assessing whether flood defences, sediment management and natural flood management could reduce flood risk.
“The initial outputs from the study are due in December 2019. Following this, any actions for further works will be considered.”
Alongside the flood protection study, Angus Council has also commissioned surface water management plans (SWMPs) to prepare for less severe incidents of flooding.
The SWMPs will cover Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Invergowrie and Monifieth and will help local authorities to cope with events such as drains overflowing following heavy rain.
Both assessments will be carried out on behalf of the local authorities by consultancy group RPS, which has scooped a contract worth £75,000.
Each report will form part of a flood risk management plan being compiled between now and 2022. The completed plan aims to reduce the impact of flooding across the whole of Tayside.
Work is under way on some flood prevention measures, including efforts to protect Dundee’s waterfront against flooding from the Tay.
Construction began on the barriers on Riverside Drive last year, and the wheels are in motion to bring similar measures to Broughty Ferry.
