Both bodies have committed to work together with developers to find innovative ways of managing surface water from sites across the city.

Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “This is a great example of two public bodies working together to find solutions to complex issues.

“The work is a testament to the will of the council’s officers and Scottish Water to enable development that benefits everyone, from someone who needs a quality home, to those employed in construction, and ultimately to the whole city which will be a more vibrant and attractive place where people choose to live, learn and work.”

Mark Hunter, Scottish Water’s general manager for development services, said: “The challenges presented by drainage are complex and hugely important, especially in large urban areas. There are shared responsibilities which make a multi-agency approach vital to finding and delivering long term solutions that support economic development.

“The joint work that has been taking place with Dundee City Council is a great example of what can be achieved. We need to manage surface water in a way that is sustainable and resilient for the long term, especially in the context of the climate crisis. There are real opportunities to support growth, manage the risk of flooding better and create new places for people and wildlife that enhance our towns and cities.”

For a number of years, the council has been aiming to increase the development of private and affordable housing across the city and to enable the sale of land it owns.

Redeveloping brownfield sites for housing can create pressure on the public roads drainage and combined sewer system; rainwater run-off from roofs and paved/impermeable ground surfaces has to be dealt with in a sustainable way and with multiple benefits such as reducing flood risk, place making and biodiversity.

Brownfield sites comprise previously developed land which is not currently in use.

Among current sites that could benefit from the agreement are the former James Keiller/Maryfield Goods Yard at Mains Loan, the former St. Mary’s Infant School at Lochee Road and surplus school sites at Rockwell, Lochee primary, Hillside and Gowriehill.

The city development committee meets on Monday, January 25.