Banbury Flooding Management Scheme

• Where is Banbury located?

  In the southeast of England, north of Oxford, a tributary of the River Thames
• Why did Banbury need flood management?

  • Severe floods in 1998 and 2007 caused damage to homes, roads, and railways.
  • 150 homes and businesses were affected in 1998.
  • The town lies on a low, flat floodplain.
• What flood management strategies were used in Banbury?

  • A 2.9km embankment, up to 4.5m high, built parallel to the M40.
  • Flood storage area that holds 3 million m³ of water.
  • Pumping stations to transfer excess water.
  • Raising the A361 road.
  • Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat created.
• What are the social benefits of the Banbury scheme?

  • Reduced flood risk for over 441 homes and 73 businesses.
  • Improved quality of life with new footpaths and green spaces.
  • Less stress and anxiety about flooding.
• What are the economic benefits of the Banbury scheme?

  • Scheme cost £18.5 million.
  • Estimated to have protected £100 million worth of property.
  • Protects homes, businesses, and transport infrastructure.
• What are the environmental impacts of the Banbury scheme?

  • New habitats created (ponds, trees, hedgerows).
  • The flood storage area uses a borrow pit (area dug for soil) that fills with water.
  • Some biodiversity lost due to construction.