February 2021
We are working with 9 partners on a major new flood scheme for Oxford, which will reduce flood risk to homes, businesses and major transport routes into the city. Our scheme will provide a long term solution to flooding in Oxford, helping protect the city as flood risk increases with climate change.
The scheme will run through the existing floodplain west of Oxford. It will be formed of a new stream surrounded by a sloping floodplain of new wetland habitat and grazing meadow to create more space for water away from built-up areas.
What’s coming up in 2021?
2020 wasn’t quite what any of us expected. It has been a trying time for all of us in different ways. Nonetheless, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme project team have been working hard under Coronavirus restrictions to complete surveys and investigations. We’ve been working closely in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure that the new A423 Kennington Railway Bridge and the Oxford scheme are designed to work well together.
2021 is set to be an even busier year for the project team. We withdrew our planning application last year to make changes to incorporate the new A423 bridge design. We will be focussing on preparing information collected from environmental surveys and the design of the area around the bridge to submit our new planning application in late 2021.
Environmental collaboration
We have formed a new collaboration with the environmental charity Earth Trust. We will be working with the Earth Trust on our plan for the long term environmental benefits of the scheme. The new stream with wetland wildlife corridor will create new habitat and link existing wildlife sites to the west of Oxford, bringing additional benefits to the local environment beyond reduced flood risk.
Our collaboration with Earth Trust will help us plan how best to make the most of this unique opportunity – to ensure that the new landscape and habitats are carefully maintained for the lifetime of the scheme.
Once we have all the necessary approvals and are nearing construction of the scheme, we will appoint an external environmental partner. This partner will be responsible for the habitat management and enhancement in the scheme area, as well as maintaining long term relationships with local communities. Our work now will help ensure the best foundations for this approach, to secure a long term green legacy for generations to come.
Keeping you updated
As we prepare to submit our new planning application in late 2021, we would normally hold events to update you face to face. Due to coronavirus restrictions this is not currently possible, so in the spring we will share information about the scheme online.
We’ll be providing an update on the changes made to the scheme and the benefits these bring. Keep an eye on our webpage and social media for details.
Recent flooding
During the past 2 months, Oxfordshire and other parts of the country have experienced flooding. Working as part of the Thames Valley Resilience Forum, temporary flood barriers were deployed on South Street, Osney Island, in South Hinksey and at the Bulstake Stream to prevent water reaching homes. Additional temporary defences at Vicarage Lane and East Street, Osney Island were not required.
Emergency response partners ensured communities remained resilient to rising water levels. Officers were out daily supporting communities and checking water levels across the city. Operations staff worked to clear blockages and ensure our flooding infrastructure was operating correctly.
Read more about the role of temporary barriers.
Know your flood warnings!
It’s important to know what you need to do if your area is given a flood warning. Stay prepared by signing up to flood warnings and preparing a flood plan.
 Prepare | Flood alert – Flooding is possible Prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents Check flood warnings |
 Act | Flood warning – Flooding is expected Turn off gas, water and electricity Move things upstairs or to safety Move family pets and car to safety |
| Survive | Severe flood warning – Danger to life Call 999 if in immediate danger Follow advice from emergency services Keep yourself and your family safe |
Want to know more?
If you have any questions or want to be added to our mailing list, please contact us at:
Keep updated on the scheme – and please share this newsletter
www.gov.uk/government/publications/oxford-flood-scheme/oxford-flood-scheme
