Architects behind the project at The Neuk in Barry designed a property on metal supports with all the living accommodation on its upper floor.

Measures such as a bund to keep the waters of the Barry Burn back were included to hold back one-in-500-year flooding levels.

But Sepa and Angus Council objected to the scheme.

And planning appeal councillors have now upheld a delegated refusal issued in August.

They said they weren’t prepared to put emergency services at extra risk going to rescue people living there.

Architects Brunton Design said the three-bedroom home plans have been developed with the flood risk in mind.

“We accept the site is in an area where there is a possible one-in-500-year event,” they stated.

“That has had us design in mitigation features which raise all habitable accommodation above that point on steel columns.

“This solution is sustainable and the removal of the siting double garage will not increase the existing flood risk to any surrounding properties.”

They added: “The house proposed is a good example of how a contemporary design can contribute to a settlement which has developed gradually along its only road.

“The colours and materials are not garish and attention-seeking but would form a good focal point for the settlement start.”

However, the appeal committee were united in their opposition to the plan.

Council development review committee chairman Bill Duff said: “If Sepa is objecting, in the current climate we just cannot take the risk there.

“Even if the house is above ground level, if we opposition to the get serious flooding their cars will be disabled.

“We’re still going to potentially need the emergency services to come and rescue them, and we can’t allow additional houses with that risk factor.

“For me, this is an open and shut case if Sepa are objecting and our own roads well.”

Councillor Chris Beattie said: “I think this is pretty clear. It’s a high risk from the Barry Burn.

“Sepa is predicting flooding in this area and it’s going to get a lot worse pretty soon.”