In October 2014 Roger and I moved into Dale Close and we were soon made aware of SENDRA. I went to the AGM and was impressed by the organisation and personnel. Close links had been established with the Oxford City Council, largely through the Chairman, Bob Price, Councillors, the Police and other local bodies, some of whom were represented at the meeting. SENDRA was seen as a voice to be listened to. Representing over 70 households and fortunate to have erudite members on various planning groups and committees, it had clearly played an important role in the development and preservation of the area.
I offered any practical help that might be needed and was surprised to be approached in 2016 by Margaret Maden to take on Flooding and water matters. Having no knowledge of hydrology, I was a bit perplexed but I was prepared to ‘give it a go’. In 2014, appointing a SENDRA Flood Warden had been suggested but until a volunteer could be found for this role ‘SENDRA’s flood monitoring was to remain informal and rely on common-sense cooperation and mutual support when river levels threaten houses.’ In 2016 I found myself in this position. Thankfully, I was able to get a very good team around me and in the background, I could always rely on Ian Green for sound advice. The first person I contacted was Brian Durham. A retired Archaeologist, living in Grandpont, Co-Chair of South Oxford Flood Alliance Group (SOFAG), very involved in local flooding issues, Brian became my main advisor.
Major flooding occurred in Oxford in 2003; 2007; 2012 and 2013-14. Our estate did not flood during these times. However, due to rising levels of ground water, a few toilets backed up and there was pooling of water in two spots along the Castle Mill Stream path. In 2004 stormwater drains, which run into Castle Mill Stream, were blocked and had to be cleared.
Flood Risk and ground water issues have always been major concerns for residents. Whilst researching SENDRA’s continuing history, two Flooding files were discovered. A tremendous amount of work had been carried out by a Planning Group, including Frank Dann and Jack Blencowe. In particular, they questioned the accuracy of EA maps and Zones were disputed.
There was concern about the height of the bank along part of the Castle Mill Stream path. Responsibility for maintenance of the banks and for clearing debris from the stream was established. In a 2014 Newsletter a suggestion was made that we approach the Council to raise the bank and level of the Castle Mill Stream footpath (behind 29 Dale Close and 10 Sadler Walk) by around 50 cm, where it is lower and most susceptible to being breached by high waters, potentially leading to flooding of the estate. However, this was not pursued following a reply from the Environment Agency, who are not in favour of raising the level of the bank, as this merely diverts the water.
The Oxford Flood Alliance (OFA) was and continues to be a great source of knowledge. I was told that at the Environment Agency it is notoriously difficult to pin down any one person, who stays in post, is informed and can make decisions. We were lucky to find Sarah Underhay & Ian Norriss, who showed an interest and knowledge of our community and we had the basis for a good working relationship.
It was reassuring to hear that the estate had never flooded but It became apparent that members were concerned about the following issues:
- Flood Risk
- Will my home flood?
- Will the Westgate development add to the risk?
- Flood Zones
- Which Zone is my house in?
- Are the houses built on a floodplain?
- Will this affect the sale of my property?
- Flood Maps/Modelling
- What is the Environment Agency?
- Who produces flood maps?
- Why are these maps confusing?
- What does modelling mean?
- Groundwater
- Rising water levels in a few gardens along the Castle Mill Stream
- Backing up of foul water in a few downstairs toilets
- Surface water dispersal
- Pooling on Castle Mill Stream path
- Who is responsible for maintenance of banks on Castle Mill Stream path?
- Drains/Sewers
- Who is responsible for drains & sewers?
- Do we have an Estate map of these?
- Are these regularly looked after?
- Who do I contact in an emergency?
- Insurance
- Will I be able to get affordable cover?
- Why do I appear to be paying more than others?
- Who do I contact for help?
Eventually I gained sufficient knowledge to start to address some of our members’ concerns. Please see various reports detailed below. Our major achievement in 2016 was the SENDRA Optical Survey of house threshold levels. I am grateful to Brian Durham for his Survey report which includes a snapshot of the current situation. (see below)
I continue to be in contact with the Environment Agency and other local organisations, as we await the final decisions on planning for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (OFAS). This has been significantly delayed due to the need to replace the bypass bridge. Campaigners are hoping for a better scheme which will deliver all the same benefits for Oxford without the unacceptable economic and environmental costs of the withdrawn scheme. (SEE HOEG [Hinksey & Osney Environment Group] Presentation). The revised plans are due to be outlined towards the end of 2021.
Documents currently available on website:*
Flood Risk/Flood Alleviation Report 10 February 2016
Flood Risk Report AGM November 2016
Flood Risk Report AGM 3 December 2018
SENDRA Survey Report Brian Durham April 2021 (Do-Minimum’ This term is applied to the existing situation plus routine maintenance, with none of the engineering proposed by OFAS. It is used as a yardstick of the effectiveness of the proposed scheme)
Hinksey and Osney Environmental Group report 2021
* Our aim is to store all flooding files, maps, charts etc. on the SENDRA One Drive Google account, so that these are readily available for new Officers. These will be added as time allows and will be available to Members on request.
Chris Knight – April 2021
SENDRA 