Sewage deal in Oxford could prove a blueprint for growth

The Environment Agency (EA) and Oxford City Council have agreed a plan to unlock 18,000 homes in Oxford, that they say could become a blueprint for developments around the country where the right wastewater infrastructure is needed before building can go ahead.

The EA had previously challenged planning applications for new housing in the city over concerns about sewage treatment capacity, which posed a risk to water quality.

Spurred on by government calls for growth-boosting measures, the Agency, Council and Thames Water have now agreed a scheme which will provide the capacity needed at the sewage works to allow for the occupation of development from 2027, in line with local plans. Ahead of a full upgrade in 2031, Thames will introduce an interim scheme for 2027.

The EA said it would shortly write to Oxford City Council and other affected Local Planning Authorities with its revised advice.