The public inquiry into the compulsory purchase order linked to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme concluded on Friday 6 Jan. The Environment Agency and opponents of the scheme presented summaries of their evidence to the planning inspector in a virtual meeting. These summary statements can be read on the inquiry website here (see Closing Submissions).

At the heart of the debate is the opposition claim that a better option than the scheme proposed by the EA exists. They have not themselves put forward a fully worked up alternative, only a series of outline ideas about where a solution might lie. They claim that if the EA were to undertake detailed work on any of the four ideas they have tabled, the agency should be able to find a better and cheaper solution. The EA rejects these claims and describes all four ideas as ‘non-starters’. This is for various reasons, including non-compliance with national policy guidelines, cost, potential damage to Hinksey Meadow, and a reduction in the reliability of the scheme. The EA argues that the proposals they have submitted for planning approval are the best solution for Oxford.

We now wait for the inspector to decide on the merits of the arguments and supporting evidence. She will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State at DEFRA, Stephen Barclay MP, who will have the final decision.

BBC South broadcast a brief report on the ending of the public inquiry on the evening of 6 January. Liz Sawyer of Oxford Flood Alliance was interviewed by the reporter.