Planning approval for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme has been granted subject to requirements. Decision is a significant step towards protecting the city
The much-anticipated Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is one step closer to becoming a reality today after Oxfordshire County Council resolved to grant planning permission. This decision, subject to certain standard requirements, marks a significant milestone on the way to reducing flood risk from the River Thames and protecting the city’s homes, businesses, roads and railways.
Led by the Environment Agency in partnership with 9 other organisations, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is one of the biggest flood schemes currently planned in England.
The scheme will work with the natural floodplain to the west of Oxford. A new stream will be created, fed by the River Thames and meandering through its own gently sloping floodplain, consisting of grazing meadow with wildflowers and wetland. People will be able to walk and cycle alongside the new stream, enjoying the views and wildlife.
When the Thames is high, water flowing from the river into the stream will naturally start to fill the lowered floodplain, instead of overspilling from the River Thames into built-up areas of the city.
Oxfordshire County Council considered the planning application following their public consultation on it last year. At the Planning and Regulation Committee meeting today, councillors resolved to grant planning permission after hearing from the Environment Agency and their partners.
Approval is subject to the application first being referred to the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, due to the scheme’s location in the green belt. She will decide if she wishes to make a determination. This is a normal requirement in these circumstances. The Environment Agency will also need to sign a legal agreement with the council relating to the management and monitoring of the new habitats that the scheme will create.
Robbie Williams, Project Director of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, said:
Councillor Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations, and Chair of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme Sponsoring Group, said:
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, Oxford City Council, said:
Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said:
Dr David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources), University of Oxford, added:
The Oxford Flood Alliance (OFA), made up of local residents affected by flooding, has worked closely with the Environment Agency on the development of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme. Simon Collings, from the OFA, said:
Notes to Editors
For more information (Oxford Flood Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).