Collection: River Thames Scheme

Updated: We have updated the page with current information about the River Thames Scheme including updated maps.

The River Thames Scheme will reduce flood risk to people living and working near the Thames, enhance the resilience of nationally important infrastructure, contribute to a vibrant local economy and maximise the social and environmental value of the river.

Between 2020 and 2025 we will build a new flood channel alongside the River Thames to reduce flood risk to 15,000 properties in communities in Datchet, Wraysbury, Egham, Staines, Chertsey, Shepperton, Weybridge, Sunbury, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Kingston and Teddington.

The channel will be built in 3 sections and includes widening of the Desborough Cut and increasing the capacity of weirs at Sunbury, Molesey, and Teddington by installing additional weir gates.

15,000 homes and 2,400 business will be better protected from flooding. Road, rail, power and water networks will be more resilient. We will create 106 hectares of new public open space and 23km of new pathways. We will improve biodiversity for wildlife through the creation of 250 hectares of new habitat.

Construction of the new channel gives us the opportunity to create habitats for wildlife and recreation activities including walking, cycling, boating and angling.

As development work continues, we are working with communities between Datchet and Teddington to increase their resilience to flooding. This includes working with emergency services, local councils and other organisations to co-ordinate their response during major floods.




Guidance: SR2015 No 2: storing and handling crude oil

Updated: Added to ‘details’ section: You can apply online for most standard rules environmental permits.

These standard rules set out the criteria an operator must meet to have and comply with a standard permit for this activity.

You can apply online for most standard rules environmental permits.

Apply for a standard rules environmental permit.




Guidance: SR2015 No 1: onshore oil exploration

Updated: Added to ‘details’ section: You can apply online for most standard rules environmental permits.

Standard rule guidance and generic risk assessment for onshore oil exploration relating to drilling and coring of wellbores and well testing.

These rules show the criteria you must meet to have and continue to comply with a standard permit for this activity.

The WMP3: Waste management plan sets out the operational measures required for standard rule set SR2015 No 1 under mining waste directive requirements.

You can apply online for most standard rules environmental permits.

Apply for a standard rules environmental permit.




National Statistics: Aggregates Levy Bulletin

Updated: Update with provisional data from December 2017 to May 2018

The Aggregates Levy Bulletin contains statistics and analysis on Aggregates Levy receipts, liabilities and tonnage in the UK. The bulletin is updated every six months.




Policy paper: South West river basin district river basin management plan

Updated: Updated document to fix broken links.

This document sets out the:

  • current state of the water environment
  • pressures affecting the water environment
  • environmental objectives for protecting and improving the waters
  • programme of measures, actions needed to achieve the objectives
  • progress since the 2009 plan

It also informs decisions on land-use planning because water and land resources are closely linked.

It should be read in conjunction with the other RBMP documents.