Dudley Council Approves 68 New Homes Despite Canal Flooding Concerns
Dudley Council has given the green light to a controversial housing development in Netherton, approving 68 new homes on the site of Tromans Industrial Estate on Halesowen Road. This decision comes despite serious concerns raised by the Canal and River Trust about potential damage to a neighbouring canal embankment that could lead to major flooding.
Canal and River Trust Opposition
The Canal and River Trust has been vocal in its opposition to the project, stating that it has not been provided with sufficient information to support the development. In a letter dated February 12, 2026, the Trust expressed ongoing concerns, noting that "there is insufficient information available to ascertain that the development could proceed without harm to the support for the canal and thus without flood risk."
The Trust was first consulted on the project in 2023, and its latest response to the council indicates that a draft planning condition for approval does not meet the relevant tests in legislation and guidance. The Dudley Canal runs in an elevated position along the northwestern boundary of the site, supported by what the council describes as an 'assumed retaining structure.' However, due to vegetation, the exact position of this retaining structure remains unclear.
Development Details
The proposed development by Alps Homes Limited will consist of 60 flats distributed across four apartment blocks and eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses. Access to the new homes will be from Saltwells Road. The project involves demolishing existing buildings on the industrial estate to make way for the residential units.
A statement prepared by Simpatico Homes for the developer highlighted the benefits of the project, stating: "This development proposal represents an opportunity to provide high quality homes on an allocated housing site, meeting housing needs in the local community. The submitted scheme would greatly enhance amenity and vitality in the area, replacing a semi-derelict industrial site with attractive homes surrounded by generous areas of public realm and soft landscaping."
Council Justification
Dudley Council officers recommended approval of the application, arguing in their report that residential development will allow an untidy site to be redeveloped and improve the appearance and character of the area with associated regeneration benefits. They further stated that the benefits of the development, combined with pressure from the government to provide more housing, outweigh the concerns raised by the Canal and River Trust.
This decision underscores the ongoing tension between housing development needs and environmental safety considerations in the Black Country region.
