Our Planning and Compulsory Purchase team has advised the Environment Agency on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme. In a decision issued last week, the project received a confirmed Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The flood alleviation scheme will reduce flood risk to properties and infrastructure in Oxford currently at risk of flooding from the River Thames, significantly reducing the risk and frequency of flooding by creating more space for water within the existing western floodplain. The scheme is approximately 5km long and also proposes new flood defences, culverts, bridges, access tracks, and flood gates, together with new and improved habitats.
The proposals will also bring associated environmental improvements, creating over 20 hectares of new wetland, 16 hectares of floodplain meadow, and delivering biodiversity net gain.
Burges Salmon has been working on the scheme for a number of years, helping to secure a resolution in principle to grant planning permission in July 2024, providing advice on the CPO from submission through to confirmation. Burges Salmon also supported the Environment Agency during the CPO public inquiry process. Throughout the project, the team was led by partner and head of Planning and Compulsory Purchase Gary Soloman, senior associate Matthew Tucker and associate Maelor James.
With decades of experience and a stellar team led by partners who are established experts in their field, Burges Salmon has asserted itself as the planning law firm of choice for nationally significant and major projects. The team works closely with real estate colleagues on regeneration schemes and property developments, and works with the energy transition team to support the development and delivery of Net Zero projects. Burges Salmon is also committed to shaping the future of planning law and regularly speaks at national events and is actively involved in industry bodies, including NIPA, CPA and the Renewable Energy Association.
