Oxford Mail letter April 11 2024
Twelve months awaiting flood inquiry outcome
Happy birthday to Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, twelve months since the public inquiry inspector delivered her report to the government.
But did she say Yes or No?
Throughout the inquiry process the Environment Agency had told her `There is no alternative'.
If she had agreed with them, her report could have been endorsed immediately by the government, and the process would be moving forward.
Twelve months of silence suggests however that the Inspector was, at the very least, unconvinced.
When it became clear there was no instant acceptance, HOEG offered constructive suggestions, called ‘pre-commencement planning conditions’, which would resolve three of the five obstacles - quicker, cheaper and kinder to everyone including the railway.
On 16 July last year, the government asked us for copies, but the conditions have not appeared on the local planning authority web site.
Until we get some sort of acknowledgement, a sign that someone is listening, HOEG is reserving the remaining two conditions, those that would merge the Seacourt and Bulstake Streams without the damaging step-down of the floodplain.
Time is not on Oxford’s side – after high levels in the autumn the rivers are unusually low now, but there could be a Cotswold deluge at any time.
We are meeting your reporters offering material for a feature article like that recently on Wheatley and Tiddington flooding (13 February p4).
What more can we do?
Chris Sugden (Canon Dr), Hinksey and Osney Environment Group
Jocelyn Wogan Brown, Oxford Flood and Environment Group
Brian Durham, New Hinksey resident