What can we do to help Oxfordshire’s flooding issue?

Oxford’s Flood Alleviation scheme has provided a glimmer of hope for local business and property owners following severe flooding in 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Oxfordshire Growth Board have recently announced the scheme has been put on an amber status, now there is a substantial financial gap in funds of £10m. Although the people of Oxford have been reassured the project will continue, allowing the construction of the four-mile flood channel, Rodney Rose, Oxfordshire County Council’s deputy leader, has invited local businesses to contribute financially to the scheme. With some expressing doubt on the willingness of local people to do so. 

The plight of Oxford and its flooding issues, as well as the problems experienced by the rest of the UK, highlights the need to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in any development, and that strategy is at the heart of all we do.

The necessity for Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS)

Oxfordshire has seen its fair share of flooding in recent years, affecting roads, railway lines, schools, businesses and homes, and with substantial urban development and bodies of water in abundance, the issue is unlikely to ease any time soon. The aspects that need to be addressed when designing new developments are the quantity of water (flooding), quality of water (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenities.

Sustainable Drainage Solutions, (SuDS), should mimic nature, managing rainfall where it falls, but also need to consider the affects they may have downstream on nearing communities; the idea is not to simply transfer the flood risk elsewhere. Creating zero, or minimal, long-term detrimental damage, SUDs are considered the environmentally friendly option.

It’s quite often felt that the look of such SuDS is crucial to its initial appreciation within the community, so not only do the designers need to consider the most effective way to incorporate SuDS, they also need to be aware of its appearance, taking into account the style of the area, ensuring it fits visually.

In order to optimise the benefits of SuDS, the planning and design needs to be incorporated at the start of the development process. Fitting in sustainable drainage mid-way through a project is likely to result in the SuDS being less effective than what it could have been if it was considered holistically, creating problems down the line when the heavy rainfall begins. Additionally, continual efforts to perform a sequence of management practices, control structures and strategies ensures the recurrent benefits of efficient and sustainably drained surface water, all while minimising pollution of any local water bodies.

What do we do to help?

Our designers believe in the importance of a holistic solution for the disposal of surface and foul water, working with the client to develop sustainable drainage techniques from the beginning. To us, sustainable drainage is not an afterthought, and there is no “one size fits all”, therefore each site needs to be assessed individually. 

Implementations from Gemma Design

Here at Gemma Design, we use the very latest hydraulic design software and computer systems, combined with detailed knowledge of current design standards, to deliver integrated solutions for challenging and complex sites.

Where off-site disposal is necessary, we demonstrate a proven track record of securing consent from statutory authorities, through both Section 104 and 106 applications, and land drainage consent, for discharging to watercourses, therefore actively adhering to all local guidelines.

Disposal of foul drainage can be challenging where no existing connections are present, or the infrastructure is at a shallow depth, and in these situations, treatment is needed. Our engineers liaise with the Environment Agency to obtain approval for any on-site treatment, and with sewage undertakers for the installation of pumping stations where necessary.

As flooding becomes an increasing problem, we will continue to carry out any necessary assessments, systems and procedures to continue to develop in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.