CONCERNS a canal could overflow and flood a major new housing development may sink a planning application for the site.

Dudley Council planners are currently considering an application to build 68 new homes on the site of Tromans Industrial Estate on Halesowen Road in Netherton.

However, the Canal and River Trust says the plan should be thrown out amid fears not enough will be done to stop the neighbouring Dudley Canal no. 2 from bursting its banks.

In a report to planners, the Trust says: “Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the canal retaining structures would remain adequately supporting the canal during and beyond construction of the proposed development. 

“As such, the risk of canal breach has not been adequately considered and addressed and it is not possible to be certain that the proposed development would not suffer from water inundation and associated risks.”

The application is for a mixture of three-bedroom semi-detached homes and one or two bedroom apartments.

A flood risk assessment for the application by Link Engineering also raises concerns.

Their report says: “The canal sits much higher than the site, so there is a large embankment leading up to the canal. Should the canal burst its banks, the site will be at high risk of flooding from this source.”

The report goes on to say that the site should be designed in such a way that flood water is channelled away down Saltwells Road.

The Canal and River Trust also says more needs to be done to ensure the canal embankment, which is more than 200-years-old, is strong enough to not pose a risk of breaching.

In September 2021, the Trust said: “The canal is supported by an embankment at the northern boundary of the site, with retaining walls located within the development site. 

“The existing retaining walls should be assessed to establish their condition and suitability. 

“Proposals for remedial works or replacement should be included within the application, and it must be ensured that they are fit for purpose in order to protect the site and its future residents from any potential canal breach.”