The Environment Agency has launched a new consultation calling on its proposals for the £120 million Oxford flood alleviation scheme to reduce flood risk to all homes and businesses in Oxford.

The consultation is inviting comments on the  design features; ranging from the 7 bridges along the route of the scheme, to options for benches and cycle racks on footpaths.

The scheme is a major project which will involve lowering parts of Oxford’s floodplain to increase capacity for floodwater, as well as widening and deepening some of the rivers and streams that run through it.

The Oxford flood alleviation scheme is one of the biggest projects the Agency is working on across the country - Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency described it as “a major feat of engineering”.

Cllr Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, added:

“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.”

The Environment Agency is working with local partners: Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, Thames Water, the Oxford Flood Alliance, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, and the University of Oxford, on the scheme to reduce flood risk to all homes and businesses in Oxford, as well as to major transport routes into the city.

The earliest work on the scheme is expected to start is Spring 2018, with construction expected to be completed by 2022.

Deadline to submit comments on the proposals is 20 July 2017 – contact the project team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information about the consultation.