Environment Agency
The River Thames Scheme (RTS) has published findings from its second public consultation.
The consultation ran between 8 November and 20 December 2022. It included:
- 10 public information events
- 7 online virtual events
The River Thames Scheme asked residents in the area for feedback on a range of topics.
We received 485 responses to the consultation:
- 447 were via questionnaire
- 38 were via email or letter
The responses will be used to develop the design of the scheme.
Key highlights
Respondents generally revealed a strong interest in access-related matters. This included access to the river and new green spaces for activities, such as walking, cycling and water-based recreation.
Respondents raised issues relating to technical aspects of the scheme, such as:
- reduction of flood risk
- improvement of flood flow
- dredging
- reducing road construction traffic and general disruption
- impacts on river users
Most respondents supported the idea of lowering the riverbed near Desborough Cut.
Respondents ranked in order their preferences for:
- access to green spaces
- connection to wildlife
- a more sustainable travel network
Most respondents viewed access to new green spaces as most important. Connection to wildlife second.
Read the full consultation report: https://www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk/consultation
A further public consultation is planned for late 2023.