The planning application for the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme has been approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee with eight votes ‘for’ and one abstention.

The committee heard from 13 objectors, 16 supporters, the Environment Agency, and the County’s planning team before debating the scheme and making their decision. The Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will be given an opportunity to call in the application because the scheme is in the greenbelt, but this is normal procedure.

The decision should now clear the way for approval of the compulsory purchase order (CPO) which was the subject of a public inquiry at the end of last year. The CPO approval follows a separate process and is currently with DEFRA. Consideration of the planning inspector’s report was delayed because of the general election.

We understand the environmental concerns of objectors and are committed to ensuring the scheme delivers on its biodiversity net gain targets.

Oxford Flood Alliance is grateful to all the people, local residents and councillors, who spoke in support of the scheme. Also to the team at the Environment Agency. This is a huge achievement after 10 years of work.