Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is one step closer to becoming a reality after the county council agreed to grant planning permission.

This decision marks a significant milestone on the way to reducing flood risk from the River Thames and protecting the city’s homes, businesses, roads and railways.

Led by the Environment Agency in partnership with nine other organisations, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is one of the biggest flood schemes planned in England.

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The £176m scheme would result in a 5km long stream being dug through the floodplain in the west of the city. People will be able to walk and cycle alongside the new stream.

The county council considered the planning application following public consultation on it last year.

At the planning and regulation committee meeting on Monday (July 15) councillors resolved to grant planning permission after hearing from the Environment Agency and its partners.

(Image: Oxford Mail) Approval is subject to the application first being referred to Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, due to the scheme’s location in the green belt.

She will decide if she wishes to intervene.

This is a normal requirement in these circumstances.

The Environment Agency will also need to sign a legal agreement with the council relating to the management and monitoring of the new habitats the scheme will create.

Robbie Williams, project director of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, said: "Gaining the committee’s approval marks significant progress in our ambition to better protect Oxford residents and businesses from the sort of flooding that we have seen in recent years and can expect in the future."

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Pete Sudbury, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council with Responsibility for climate change, environment and future generations, said: "I welcome the committee’s support for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme.

"The scheme will provide Oxford with vital protection from flooding and help the city to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

(Image: Oxford Mail) “The council will work closely with the Environment Agency to secure the swift delivery of the scheme and ensure local communities can benefit from reduced flood risk as soon as possible.”

Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services at the city council, said the decision was an important milestone.

He added: "Oxford has a long history of flooding, and many people have experienced the disruption it causes to homes, businesses, main roads, railway lines and vital services.

"Flooding also affects the mental health of communities who see their lives, homes and businesses devastated by floods.”

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Bethia Thomas said the scheme would help to protect the communities of South Hinksey, Kennington and North Hinksey.

Oxford University is a "strong supporter" of the scheme.

(Image: Oxford Mail) Simon Collings, a spokesman for the Oxford Flood Alliance, said: "We’re proud to have helped get the scheme to this point; it has been a huge effort across multiple partners bringing their expertise to the table. 

“We believe the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is the best option for Oxford, its communities, its economy and biodiversity. Risk of severe flooding is increasing all the time and we need to ensure we are in a position to manage this."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.