Decision details

Wheatley Flood Alleviation Scheme - Oxfordshire County Council Contribution

Decision Maker: Director of Economy & Place

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The funding strengthens the funding case for the Wheatley West Flood Alleviation Scheme and supports delivery of the scheme.

 

The preferred scheme option would:

  • Remove 18 residential and 5 non‑residential properties from a very significant flood risk category.
  • Deliver £4,699,432 in economic benefits over the lifetime of scheme.
  • Represent the best‑performing option assessed through Incremental Benefit Cost Ratio (IBCR) analysis based on SODC Outline Business Case.

 

Decision:

It was decided, subject to entering a formal grant agreed, to provide a £100,000 contribution to South Oxfordshire District Council as partnership funding towards their Wheatley West Flood Alleviation Scheme. The funding will come from the OCC funding scheme of discretionary grant/direct works scheme for the delivery of formal flood investigations recommendations.

 

Reasons for the decision:

The Wheatley Flood Alleviation Scheme is a priority project with strong economic justification and clear alignment with Economy & Place objectives. Approval of a £100,000 OCC contribution would support delivery of a scheme that provides significant flood risk reduction by strengthening the overall partnership funding package.

 

Alternative options considered:

Provide no contribution. This was rejected as it would prevent delivery of the scheme, that would not align with the Economy & Place objectives.

 

Provide a smaller contribution. This was rejected as it would prevent or hinder delivery of the scheme, that would not align with the Economy & Place objectives.

Publication date: 24/06/2026

Date of decision: 18/06/2026