Concerns raised over 24-hour flood alleviation scheme works

The Environment Agency (EA) has told Oxfordshire County Council it would need to work 24-hours a day, seven days a week to install culverts beneath the Oxford Southern By-Pass near South Hinksey as part of the project.

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The project could mean noisy nights for neighbours on Old Abingdon Road and in Kennington for up to four months.

The final decision on the plans will be made by Oxfordshire County Council, but because Kennington is in Vale of White Horse, that district council will discuss the plan tonight and decide whether to make any official objections.

The stretch of the southern bypass under which the flood scheme will pass.

Commenting on the proposals ahead of tonight's meeting, Vale officers said: “Background noise levels in these locations may already be high due to the traffic using the A423 and A34 plus trains using the nearby railway line.

“Nonetheless, the applicant should demonstrate that noise levels from 24 hours working and especially overnight will not exceed background noise levels to such an extent that living conditions of residents would be unacceptably affected.”

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As well as the 24-hour working, the district council has also raised concerns over the proposed designs for the Willow Walk and Devil’s Backbone bridges.

The EA revealed last month that the cost of its scheme had soared from £120m to £150m.

The 5km channel will run from just north of Botley Road to join the Thames south of the southern bypass near Kennington.