Oxford MP backs public inquiry into contentious flood scheme

Thousands of complaints were made about the plans due to fears about its impact on the environment and rare grassland.

Due to objections from consultees, the Secretary of State Therese Coffey was forced to announce a public inquiry after a number of objections were made by consultees.

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Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran

The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme would see a five km long stream dug through the floodplain in the west of the city.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran has since described the news of an inquiry as good news because “an effective flood alleviation scheme was absolutely critical for constituents and businesses”.

She said: “I am pleased to see the news that the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has heeded mine and others’ calls to hold a public inquiry on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme.

“Flooding in our local area brings misery and disruption to many residents.

“Local people have raised serious concerns about the scheme and it’s vital that all aspects of this proposal are fully and transparently investigated.”

Hinksey Meadows has an annual survey of its snake’s head fritillary flowers. Tim King and Janet Keene during the 2015 survey.

The £176 million scheme by the Environment Agency, working together with partners including Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, and Oxford University, is intended to divert flooding away from homes, businesses, services, and major transport routes.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We are confident in our evidence as to why the scheme as presented is the best option for reducing flood risk in Oxford and welcome this independent process so that all sides have a fair hearing."

The scheme is viewed as controversial by some due to its effect on Hinksey Meadows, which is an area of grassland in North Hinksey which contains the nationally rare MG4 grassland.

Sunrise at Hinksey Meadows (Image: Lucie Johnson)

Chris Sugden is the convenor of Hinksey and Osney Environment Group which objected to the scheme’s impact on the meadows.

He said: “We’re very pleased it is going to an inquiry because that is what’s needed. 80 per cent of the scheme is good.

"We’re not in opposition to the scheme itself but we’re saying this part of it is not necessary."

Nearly 4,650 people have signed a petition which objects to the scheme cutting through Hinksey Meadows.

Evelyn Sanderson, who started the petition, said: “Oxford desperately needs an effective flood scheme but a destructive and ineffective three-mile flood channel through the rare Hinksey Meadows would wreck the local environment and could cause biodiversity collapse in Oxford’s wildlife corridor.”

The scheme has been submitted to Oxfordshire County Council for approval and would be one of the biggest flood schemes in the country if it was approved.