Urgent! Deadline of 19 May to object to "extinguishment" of ancient rights of way across West Oxford's floodplain! By post!
Please object as the process and the proposals are not fit for purpose and infringe on our rights
We are concerned about the lack of consultation, the lack of transparency and the poor communication of suitable alternatives. We also object to losing these much loved byways with no real explanation of why they need to go. There is no clear explanation of how the alternatives will be provided.
The four 'Acquisition Extinguishment Orders' applied for by the EA under the Acquisition
Land Act 1081 and Highways Act 1980 are all clearly stated as being part of the OFA Scheme.
They refer to the closure and replacement access for these footpaths: FP 320/18 S/E of Weirs Lane FP 320/16
Hinksey Causeway FP 352/1
Devils Backbone FP 352/3
S. Hinksey to Abingdon Rd,
plus one more from S. Hinksey to Old Abingdon Rd announced in Oxfrd Times 11/05/23.
The notices state that the EA '...is satisfied that a suitable alternate Right of Way will be provided overland' as specified in each order. But there is no detail:
Please object for procedural and substantive reasons:
- Poor consultation with public including poor display of notices
- Having to respond by post in an age of online communications
- No clear rationale or explanation of the necessity for the abrogation of these rights
- No proper explanation of alternatives, such as a timescale or guaranteed commitment
THESE ARE MUCH LOVED AND ANCIENT RIGHTS OF WAY. DON'T LOSE THEM!
CONTACT YOUR MP AND COUNCILLORS.
OXFORD NEEDS A BETTER FLOOD SCHEME
Public Meeting - Oxford Needs a Better Flood Scheme
Thanks to everyone who attended our meeting at the Oxford Town Hall April 17th. We had a packed hall and many joined up on line to hear presentations on different concerns about the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Independent experts and recently the planning authorities have raised many questions about the hydraulic and engineering modelling, efficacy, and benefits of the scheme (especially the low cost-benefit ratio of the large-scale experimental 5k channel, the environmental damage to West Oxford's green corridor and the lack of robust testing of the model). This may be the last chance to object against the scheme and ways of improving it before the scheme goes to the planning authority for decision. We and generations after us will have to live with what may be will the most momentous planning decision ever taken in Oxford.
It's very important that we have a flood scheme, but we need the best and most appropriate one possible.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO RESPOND TO THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE OXFORD FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME
YOU CAN OBJECT AGAIN TO THIS NEW ROUND OF CONSULTATION EVEN IF YOU ALREADY HAVE PREVIOUSLY
Say clearly whether you support or object
OR THAT YOU SUPORT A FLOOD SCHEME BUT OBJECT TO THE CHANNEL
SAY YOU WANT ANSWERS TO THE FLOOD FLOW AND MODELLING FLAWS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY ADDRESSED BY THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
EMAIL: Matthew.Case@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
You can respond with just a few lines of comments. But please don't cut and paste!
- loss of the irreplaceable Hinksey Meadows and inadequate mitigation
- flawed hydrological modelling
- not future proof against climate change
- loss of amenity, increased pollution and traffic
We are delighted to say that the painting of Hinksey Meadow by renowned environmental artist Elaine Kazimierczuk Hinksey Meadow has raised thousands of pounds to continue the campaign. Elaine ('one to watch - and one to buy', Saatchi's) generously donated the painting to help save the Meadow.
Letter to Oxford Times 4 April 2023
Dear Editor
We were delighted to read your article in the OM 31 March 2023 about Oxford’s Flood Alleviation Scheme that cites the petition to Save Hinksey Meadows from the destructive channel element of the scheme.
In contrast, your article states the claim that “A new stream could be created through the meadows.’’ This is highly misleading when the reality would involve digging out 3 acres (the equivalent of 3 football pitches) of ancient meadow and gravel from the nationally important, ecologically rich floodplain.
While 85% of the scheme including bunds and earthworks is to be welcomed, the artificial, experimental channel is the most costly, least effective and most environmentally destructive part of the flood scheme.
The channel through Hinksey Meadow does little to move floodwater away from Oxford. Instead, in theory it allows more floodwater storage in the area between those two roads, before eventual discharge south of Old Abingdon Rd. In some places the channel would be as wide as 250 metres.
In practice, this is an inefficient way of moving water. Downstream of the meadows, the design would create flood backup as a result of obstruction by the proposed bridge decks at Old Abingdon Road T-junction, and by omission of a modern viaduct at the railway in Kennington.
South of Hinksey Meadow, the channel would become in effect a shallow ditch only filled with water at peak flood time. It is dependent on proper maintenance, so it is not silted up and colonised with Himalayan Balsam.The formation of the new experimental channel could empty the old ones - Hinksey, Bulstake and Seacourt Streams - potentially creating swamps and impacting the ecology here.
Overall, creating the channel would require losing 700,000 tons of soil and gravel and 133 acres of greenbelt that has stored carbon for a thousand years. Along with thousands of trees, miles of hedgerow and most of Willow Walk for a runway style bridge.
It would be inaccurate to call this a “stream”. There will be a public meeting at Oxford Town Hall 17th April 7pm about OFAS and its impacts.
RESPOND TO THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE OXFORD FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME
Say clearly whether you support or object
OR THAT YOU SUPORT A FLOOD SCHEME BUT OBJECT TO THE CHANNEL - you can still comment even if you have before
EMAIL: Matthew.Case@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
You can respond with just a few lines of comments. But please don't cut and paste!
- loss of the irreplaceable Hinksey Meadows
- flawed hydrological modelling
- not future proof against climate change
- loss of amenity
JUST A FEW SHORT WEEKS TO COMMENT!
Objections will be accepted up to the planning meeting but there isn't much time!
The Oxford Flood Alleviation will dramatically alter the local landscape and cost £176 million pounds after 4 years of pollution and upheaval. But as we face climate catastrophe, will a newly constructed channel - a lowered flood plain and a newly created stream - really save our homes, roads and neighbourhoods from flooding?
CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Including some points of information in response to issues raised by partners in the scheme, the Oxford Flood Alliance
CLICK HERE FOR THE REVISED PLANNING APPLICATION
CLICK HERE FOR NEWS AND UPDATES
ABOUT THE OXFORD FLOOD AND ENVIRONMENT GROUP
We aim to find answers through a research and evidence based approach, seeking information and knowledge from experts in the field, and those with specialist knowledge and experience.
We represent a wide range of views on our website and inclusion does not imply endorsement. We wish to stimulate debate and discussion. There are no easy answers to balancing flood prevention and dramatic flood risks in an age of climate change. But we believe transparency, research and an evidence based approach offers the best hope of finding solutions to complex problems.
Our inaugural meeting was held on 19th November in West Oxford Community Centre.
Check out the presentations from a distinguished panel of scientists and experts
Here's a report from BBC SOUTH.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-59391291
Please get in touch or leave your contact details by subscribing to our website or leaving a message on chat.
We aim to create awareness of different approaches to sustainable flood prevention that works in harmony with the environment. So stay in touch!
TAKE ACTION
Further information on commenting on the OFAS planning application and Compulsory Purchase Orders
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) allows an organisation to force people to sell their land to the organisation. Because CPOs are so drastic, removing people’s rights to their own land, objections to a CPO often go to public inquiry. Land owners’ objections carry more weight, but other users of the land, for example recreational users, can also object.
Normally, organisations serve CPOs only after they have received planning permission. However the Environment Agency has already served CPOs for the flood alleviation scheme, including for Hinksey Meadow and nearby fields, one owned by the Ferry Hinksey Trust and leased to the Scouts, Seacourt Nature Park, and the fields along the Electric Avenue from Osney Mead to South Hinksey.
If you use any CPO land, please send comments to FloodsCasework@defra.gov.uk by 2 April (though they may well accept comments after that, so do write in regardless). Your comments should state the title of the order “Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme: compulsory purchase order 2023”, the grounds for objection, your address, and your interest in the land (e.g. dog walking).
LISTENING TO ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR COMMUNITY
We are a group of local residents and stakeholders who have come together because we want to find the best balance between saving our homes from flooding and protecting our environment in a climate emergency. We want the best solution not just for today but for future generations.
The West Oxford Floodplain is a unique landscape to the west of the iconic city bounded by Willow Walk and the Devil's Backbone. The current proposal potentially affects rare grassland of MG4a grasses, creeping marsh wort and fritillary and a historic network of pasture, braided streams and flourishing habitats of thousands of willow trees and hedgerows. It is home to kingfisher, heron and otter as well as dragonflies and bats.
Yet we are also keenly aware of the risks and misery of flooding and the difficult job facing those responsible for prevention.
We want to explore every possible solution to preserve our unique heritage while protecting our homes from dramatically increased flood risks.
This is an open, independent forum that seeks to present a wide range of views, information and analysis in the interest of transparency.
Join us on the journey!
GUIDE TO OUR FIRST PUBLIC MEETING - THE OXFORD FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME - WILL IT WORK?
Edited versions of expert presentations and questions to the panel. Is a constructed channel and lowered flood plain a 20th century solution for a 21st century problem?
Thanks to our panel for their research and stimulating contributions.
List of Speakers
The latest thinking on flooding and biodiversity. Plus independent analysis of the proposed scheme.
Dr Louise Slater - Associate Professor in Physical Geography, University of Oxford. Expert on flooding, hydrology and climate change.
Riki Therivel - Visiting Professor, School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University and partner Levitt-Therivel, Sustainability Consultants.
Caroline Midgely - International economic consultant and analyst.
Dr Rod Chalk - Head of Mass Spectrometry at Structural Genomics Consortium and campaigner for an alternative flood alleviation scheme.
David Ramsbottom - Technical Director HR Wallingford. Consultancy and research on all aspects of flood defence management, hydrological modelling and impact of climate change on flood risk.
The Key Questions
How do we balance our responsibilities towards people and planet and save our homes and neighbourhood from flood misery?
- Does the scheme reflect current research
and the cutting edge of flood management as we deal with the extreme weather of the climate crisis?
- Can we afford to lose thousands of trees, hectares of unique meadowland and miles of hedgerows that may take 100 years to replace as we face mass extinction and biodiversity loss?
- Is it responsive enough to deal with a dramatically increased risk of flooding due to climate change? What about balancing risks of drought?
- What are the alternatives? Is it value for money? What is the carbon cost?
- Will it really save our homes from flooding?
- How do we give nature a voice as we balance the risks between people and planet?
Have Your Say
Please get in touch. We hope to encourage dialogue and debate about the key issues of balancing protection from flooding with respect for the environment. We recognise that these issues are complex and increasingly facing communities as we deal with adaptation to climate change. We wish to see open conversations and transparency to involve all stakeholders as we face major challenges that threaten our communities and environment.
Use the contact and subscribe forms further down the page.
Nature and Biodiversity in a historic Flood Plain
Our unique ecosystem
The West Oxford Flood Plain is a unique landscape that is rich in biodiversity and historical associations. It has been painted by Turner and celebrated by Ruskin, Matthew Arnold and Oscar Wilde. Hinksey Meadow has grassland that is among the rarest in the UK. Learn more about what is at stake.
Resources
Links and information
Links to a range of resources on flood management, biodiversity, the Oxford Alleviation Scheme and more.
Contact
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