Online consultation into Oxford flood alleviation scheme to be launched

The Environment Agency is set to launch an online public consultation into the detailed design of the Oxford flood alleviation scheme.

Communities are being called on by the Environment Agency to have their say on benefits and features that will make up the £120 million project to reduce flood risk to all homes and businesses in Oxford.

The consultation will be open from 22 June to 20 July 2017, and will allow the public to input into design features; ranging from the 7 bridges along the route of the scheme, to options for benches and cycle racks on footpath. The scheme is a major project to widen and deepen some of the rivers and steam that run through Oxford, as well as lower parts of its floodplain to increase capacity for floodwater.

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “The Oxford flood alleviation scheme will be a major feat of engineering and is one of the biggest projects we are working on across the country. I am very proud of our partnership approach, which is so important to building the scheme and keeping this iconic city moving during times of flood, for businesses, commuters and communities of Oxford.”

Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, added: “This is a really important issue for people in Oxford and beyond. The plans for the flood alleviation scheme are now very advanced and we want to hear what our residents think. As the lead local flood authority, Oxfordshire County Council strongly supports the Oxford flood alleviation scheme and we encourage local communities, residents and businesses to take this opportunity to get involved in the consultation.”