River Thames Scheme Consultation Summary Report Reveals Public Support for Green Infrastructure

The River Thames Scheme (RTS) Consultation Summary Report highlights the strong support for flood protection measures from members of the public who participated in the consultation process. The report summarises the feedback gathered from the public during the consultation period, which ran from 8 November 2022 to 20 December 2022, and provides an overview of the proposed measures aimed at reducing the risk of flooding along the River Thames and enhancing the local environment.

The RTS will deliver a new river channel built in two sections – through Runnymede and Spelthorne respectively – with capacity increases around the Desborough Cut and at the weirs at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington. The green infrastructure element of the scheme will deliver a network of high-quality habitat to achieve biodiversity net gain and improve connections with wildlife. In addition, the scheme will improve access to quality green open space and support a more sustainable travel network.

The consultation process involved engaging with the public, landowners, businesses, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed measures, their potential impacts, and any concerns that needed to be addressed. A total of 487 responses were received, with people sharing their opinions on a range of key topics via a series of "closed" and "open" questions.

Key findings

The majority of respondents supported the idea of lowering the riverbed near Desborough Cut, (55 per cent agreed/strongly agreed, 20 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed, 18 per cent indicated they did not know and 4 per cent disagreed/strongly disagreed).

Asked to rank their preferences for access to green spaces, connection to wildlife and a more sustainable travel network, most respondents viewed access to new green spaces as most important, with connection to wildlife second.

There were also a number of open questions about proposals for Desborough Cut, access, connecting with wildlife and sustainable travel networks within the scheme area; as well as how to balance these factors and the approach to construction.

Main themes mentioned across open-ended questions

More than 80 per cent of respondents revealed a strong interest in access-related matters. Respondents were particularly interested in maintaining access to both the river and to new green spaces for activities such as walking, cycling and water-based recreation.

Design aspects were mentioned by 60 per cent of respondents, with suggestions including the provision of bird-watching hides similar to those on the Jubilee River in Berkshire.

Some 59 per cent of respondents raised issues relating to technical aspects of the scheme, for example focusing on the reduction of flood risk, improvement of flood flow and dredging larger areas of the Thames.

The provision and/or preservation of habitats for wildlife was highlighted as a priority by 40 per cent of respondents.

Speaking about the report, Jeanne Capey, Project Director for the River Thames Scheme, said: "We are thrilled to see such positive feedback from the public to our consultation about the River Thames Scheme. The consultation summary report showcases our commitment to engaging with the public to ensure their voices are heard. The feedback we have received will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the River Thames Scheme, and we are excited to continue working towards a more resilient and sustainable future for the Thames and its communities."

The Consultation Summary Report is available to view on the RTS website. The project team will now use the feedback gathered during the consultation process to evolve our current proposals. The public will be further consulted on the proposed scheme at the next public consultation scheduled for late 2023.

The Consultation Summary Report is now available to view in detail.