Planning permission for the controversial £25 million Whitesands flood defence scheme expires in March.
Opponents have called for the project to be scrapped but others are concerned that 10 years have been “wasted” with no start date for construction.
Some of the worst floods in 40 years hit Dumfries and surrounding areas at the turn of the year damaging businesses and properties.
One of the affected premises was Ivano’s Italian takeaway.
Owner Carol Williamson said: “Have we lost a decade over this plus many millions of pounds of taxpayers money over this?
“This can’t go on. We can’t keep having flooding issues here every year. Something has to be done but we don’t seem to be any further along. I don’t want to know how much of our money has been spent on this so far and we have nothing to show for it.”
Question marks remain over the cost of the scheme which was put at £25m several years ago before the soaring rise in inflation.
Nith ward councillor David Slater said: “The initial cost was £25 million with an 80 per cent grant from the Scottish Government.
“Now the costs will have risen tremendously. Say it costs £50 million. Will the Scottish Government still be willing to cover 80 per cent of that? Will the council cover the other 20 per cent?
“The planning permission runs out on March 23 this year. They’ll have to go back and request more time but this isn’t the right plan in my opinion.”
A December council report from roads servicing manager Mike Fawkes said planning permission is “limited to three years and expires in March, 2023, whereas the scheme confirmation from Scottish Government Ministers is not limited to a particular timescale”.
However, planning permission is subject to nine specific conditions which must be addressed before construction begins which “presents challenges” to the council in addressing them in that time.
Mr Fawkes suggested a new planning application be submitted
John Dowson, who was one of the leads in the Save Our Sands campaign against the scheme, called on the local authority to think again.
He said: “My view is that the current design isn’t the best solution and the council needs to get back to square one.
“They need to look at options. You need a whole river solution.
“If they proceed with their scheme which they estimated at £25 million four or five years ago – and I’m only speculating here – I would not be surprised if the figure hadn’t doubled in that time.
A local authority spokesperson said: “The council is in the process of considering its options and we are unable to provide any further details at this stage.”
