68 new homes approved for Dudley town despite flooding concerns
Dudley Council has approved 68 new homes in Netherton despite concerns the development could damage a neighbouring canal embankment causing major flooding.
The Canal and River Trust says it has not been provided with sufficient information to support the project which would mean the demolition of existing buildings to make way for the homes on the site of Tromans Industrial Estate, Halesowen Road.
The Trust was first consulted on the project in 2023, its latest response to the council says a draft planning condition for approval ‘does not meet the relevant tests in legislation and guidance’.
In a letter dated 12 February 2026, the Trust said: “We continue to consider 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 Dudley Canal runs in an elevated position along the north western boundary of the site and is supported by what the council calls an ‘assumed retaining structure’ although due to vegetation the position of the retaining structure is not clear.
The proposed development would consist of 60 flats in four apartment blocks and eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses.
The new development, by Alps Homes Limited, would be accessed from Saltwells Road.
A statement prepared by Simpatico Homes for the developer said: “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.”
Dudley Council officers recommended approval of the application; in a report for planners they said: “Residential development will allow an untidy site to be redeveloped and improve the appearance and character of the area with associated regeneration benefits.”
Officers go on to say the benefit of development along with pressure from the government to provide more housing outweighs the concerns of the Canal and River Trust.
