Major city flood defences approved by government

Major flood defences designed to protect more than 160,000 residents at risk of flooding have been approved by the government.

The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will be built along the River Thames in Oxford, with the aim of providing reassurance to local homes and businesses.

The Environment Secretary Steve Reed approved the purchase of land by the Environment Agency (EA) despite some objections from landowners.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy called the estimated £176m scheme "a vital new piece of infrastructure".

With a compulsory purchase order of the land confirmed, the EA said construction was expected to start in late 2026.

Oxfordshire County Council previously approved planning permission for the project in July 2024.

It is one of the biggest schemes of its kind currently proposed in England, and comes as the government aims to spend £2.65bn on flood defences over two years.

Oxford experienced significant flooding in 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2024.

The scheme would involve creating a new stream through the existing floodplain to the west of Oxford, diverting floodwater away from built-up areas.

The 5km (3 mile) stream would begin north of Botley Road and end south of the A423 near Kennington, where it would join the River Thames.

People will be able to walk and cycle alongside the new stream.

Project Director Robbie Williams said: "We're delighted to have received approval to progress with purchasing the land needed for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to go ahead.

"This is a major step forward for the project, ensuring we can bring this vital flood protection to the city.

"As we face increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is more urgently needed than ever.

"We can now all look forward to starting work on putting the scheme into place."

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