The Environment Agency and its partners are running a series of ‘drop-in’ sessions at various locations in and around Oxford over 6 days from 23 June to 3 July to provide an update on progress on the proposed £120 million Oxford flood alleviation scheme.

A key aim of the sessions is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to talk directly with the technical specialists about the scheme, which will include a new flood relief channel. Visitors can also find out about the next steps and likely timescales.

Joanna Larmour, Project Director for the Environment Agency said that while the primary role of the flood relief channel will be to reduce flood risk, the Agency also wanted to ensure that any scheme would be as natural, wildlife-rich and attractive as possible.

The team is keen to understand people’s thoughts for the proposed channel, and what new environmental features could be incorporated to sustain existing animal and plant life and boost Oxford’s existing rich and internationally important range of habitats.

Representatives from all the organisations working on the flood alleviation scheme will be present. The Environment Agency’s partners include Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, Thames Water and the Oxford Flood Alliance.

Cllr Rodney Rose, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said:

“Plans for the flood alleviation scheme are progressing well, and now is a good time to listen to residents about their ideas and expectations from the project. As lead local flood authority, the county council strongly supports this scheme. We also believe that there are things we can do right now to reduce flood risk, which is why we are supporting many smaller scale schemes around the county.”

The project is still in its early ‘appraisal’ stage and further work still needs to be carried out, relevant approvals gained (such as planning permission), and more funding secured before construction work can start. The Environment Agency is continuing to gather the evidence needed to gain Defra, HM Treasury and Cabinet Office approval for the scheme and is currently seeking approval for the Strategic Outline Case which sets out the overall approach and aims for the project. The Strategic Outline Case is the first of three major government approvals that the scheme will need, in addition to planning permission, before construction can begin.

The appraisal, design and construction of a flood relief channel would cost approximately £120 million. The scheme has been allocated £42 million in Flood Risk Management Grant in Aid funding from the government. The government will decide on the level of further funding for the scheme as the Agency further develops the design.

The project already has committed funding from partners including local councils and the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership was also awarded £26 million towards the scheme as part of a Growth Deal.

The Agency is now working with its partners to develop a funding strategy for the scheme to identify other potential sources of funding. Partners and businesses can also contribute towards the scheme through activities such as helping with maintenance and providing services.

There are 4500 properties at a 1% or greater annual risk of flooding in Oxford., a figure which will rise to over 6000 properties by 2080 because of the effects of climate change. In addition major roads, railway lines, schools and businesses are also at risk.

The Agency said that although investigations had confirmed and demonstrated that a flood relief channel is viable and will bring significant benefits to Oxford, the earliest that approval will be given and construction will begin is spring 2018.

An official public consultation on the bypass channel route and design is expected to take place towards the end of this year.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Flood Defence and Prevention Expo and conference in London in October 2015.