Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to be decided

The Oxford flood alleviation scheme will cost around £176 million and is one of the biggest flood schemes in the country.

Author: Andrea FoxPublished 15th Jul 2024

A Flood Alleviation Scheme for Oxfordshire costing millions is due to be approved today.

The Oxford flood alleviation scheme will cost around £176 million and is one of the biggest flood schemes in the country.

It's as flooding is thought to be more frequent due to climate change.

Oxfordshire has seen more flooding in recent years. In 2007 the railway line and Botley Road were flooded and earlier this year the then Prime Minister visited Oxfordshire during more devastating flooding.

The Environment Agency say the scheme will benefit everyone who lives, works in or visits Oxford. It will also protect transport routes like the Botley and Abingdon roads and railways.

The plan is designed to reduce risk from the size of a flood not seen in Oxford since 1947. This means it’s designed to cope with floods larger than all those Oxford has experienced in recent decades.

The scheme will create new wetland habitat. It will create over 20 hectares of new wetland and around 16 hectares of floodplain meadow throughout the area will be a valuable benefit of the scheme.

Some of the partners involved in the scheme partners include the local councils, Oxford University, Oxford Flood Alliance, Thames Water and National Highways.

It's due to be approved today (15th July)

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