Reservoir risks discussed and nature recovery plans highlighted by councillors
In its October meeting, Vale of White Horse District Council debated the potential for flooding risks that could be caused by Thames Water’s reservoir proposals.
Among the points of significant public interest in the district discussed by councillors was a motion outlining that Thames Water has not yet addressed community concerns around the risks of embankment failure and flooding in its “Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option”, also known as SESRO – proposals for a huge new reservoir near Abingdon. This cross-party motion was proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Clegg and seconded by Green Councillor James.
Cllr Robert Clegg said: “Thames Water claims they can ‘design out’ all significant risks of embankment failure, but this just doesn’t stack up. With the possibility of an emergency discharge coinciding with a natural flood, the results could be catastrophic.”
He called for “thorough risk assessment and public scrutiny” before any approval is granted for the SESRO reservoir.
Cllr Bethia Thomas expressed her determination that the Vale will do all it can in the interests of residents when facing proposals and activities controlled by external organisations like the reservoir: “We have very little control over the outcome of Botley West Solar Farm, and of course SESRO. Our residents are also being inconvenienced daily by Network Rail’s continued closure of the Botley Road. As national infrastructure projects they are out of our direct control, being determined by bodies over our head, but I am making sure that each of these projects does not go unchallenged.”
In her Leader’s Report, Cllr Bethia Thomas also reflected on the work of the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership Forum: “The many plans being made across the county are led in a large part, by this council, who are at the forefront of nature recovery in Oxfordshire. This is a timely reminder of our commitment to enhancing the ecology of our district and restoring our natural environment.”
The Council met on Wednesday 23 October when it also considered the Didcot Technology Park Local Development Order and the Steventon Neighbourhood Development Plan, both of which were approved. Councillors also considered matters relating to performance of its financial investments and forward plans for the Future Oxfordshire Partnership.
A second motion, proposed by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Patel, was also debated about the delivery of public services via in-house methods – including calling for the government to provide a fair funding settlement for district councils.
