OFA is pleased to note the approach being taken in the Flood Risk Assessment which forms part of the OXWED planning application. At the insistence of the Environment Agency the developers have  adopted a ‘level for level’ approach to flood compensation, meaning that any reduction in floodplain capacity at a given level has to be compensated for by an increase in capacity at that same level. This is the standard we would expect to see applied.

The development will also allow flood water to enter voids beneath some of the built structures.

Up to date flood modelling has been used in the assessment, and allowance has been included for the proposed new bridge over the Thames (which will be part of a separate planning application).

Calculations in the FRA show an overall net gain in flood plain capacity for all levels of flooding. This will help to reduce flood risk in the city. The EA is now reviewing these proposals and will provide its comments to the planning authority. OFA welcomes the robust approach being taken.

During 2021 OFA took part in several meetings between the OXWED developers and members of St Ebbe’s New Development Residents Association (SENDRA) where flood risk was being discussed. Community members highlighted concerns about continuing erosion of the riverbank at Oxpens Meadow. These concerns are acknowledged in the planning documents with provisions included to address them.

Some SENDRA members were also interested in the potential to improve the biodiversity of the meadow, an interest OFA shares. The planning application includes proposals for a net gain in biodiversity which is assessed to be in excess of 10%. This is achieved through additions to hedgerows, numbers of ecologically valuable trees, and sowing of the meadow with a richer mix of grasses.

Going forward we expect to see similarly robust approaches on flood risk being applied to other planned development in this area, especially Osney Mead. We also want to see areas set aside for biodiversity being linked so that green corridors continue to serve wildlife in the area. Protecting and enhancing the diverse habitat provided by the main river and its margins will be critical.