Why is a flood risk management scheme needed?
The flood risk from The Bourn
There have been multiple flood events in recent years that have had a devastating impact on communities throughout Birmingham, including Bournville and Stirchley. Many homes and business have suffered internal flooding and transport links were disrupted.
In this area there is the risk of both river flooding and surface water flooding (for example when road drains are overwhelmed). We are working with partners to holistically look at all sources of flood risk as part of the wider strategy. The Environment Agency is responsible for river flooding which is the main objective of this project. Other sources of flooding such as surface water and sewer flooding are the responsibility of Birmingham City Council and Severn Trent Water.
2016 Flooding on Pershore Road, StirchleyOur latest flood risk model shows there are currently 140 homes and businesses at risk of flooding from the Bourn in the Bournville and Stirchley areas, and this rises to 200 properties with the increased risk from climate change.
The two animated map videos below show the The Bourn as it breaks out of bank in a severe ‘once in a lifetime’ storm (1% Annual Exceedance Probability) and the potential areas affected. We are exploring ways to reduce the flood risk from such an extreme event and of course all other less severe storms.
Please Note: Some properties will be identified by our updated river modelling as being in an area at risk of flooding to a certain flood depth. However, this does not necessarily mean that floodwaters will enter the property in a flooding event.