Plans to reduce flood risks in Oxford have been approved by the council

Under the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, floodwater would have a path between Oxford's Botley Road and Kennington.

At a previous meeting, the Oxfordshire County Council's external planning and regulation committee granted planning permission for the scheme.

However, because of its possible impact on the Green Belt, it must still be referred to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

To oversee and manage the new habitats the project creates, the Environment Agency (EA) and the council must enter into a formal agreement.

According to the EA, the plan is "much-needed" and will contribute to "substantial benefits for residents, businesses, and Oxford's reputation."

Oxford has previously seen a great deal of flooding; at the beginning of this year, Storm Henk severely damaged homes and businesses.

Significant flooding also struck the city in 2007, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

One of the largest schemes in the nation would divert floodwater away from populated areas by constructing a new stream through the current floodplain west of Oxford.

Starting from the north of Botley Road, the 5km (3 miles) stream would run south of the A423 near Kennington before joining the River Thames.