Bourn flood scheme aims to protect Bournville and Stirchley

The Environment Agency is working on a scheme to reduce the risk of flooding from the Bourn, a small river that runs through Bournville and Stirchley in south Birmingham.

Environment Agency modelling shows that around 200 homes and 100 businesses in the area are at risk of flooding from the watercourse.

How it would work

The Bourn Flood Risk Management Scheme would create flood storage areas that hold back excess water during heavy rain and release it slowly afterwards, reducing the amount that reaches homes and businesses downstream.

Timetable

The agency's timetable for 2026 includes updating stakeholders on the preferred option, and finalising the outline business case in the summer or autumn, subject to funding. Its current aim is to start construction in the summer or autumn of 2026, although timings for flood schemes often move as designs and funding are confirmed.

A history of flooding

The Bourn is a tributary of the River Rea, which flows north through south Birmingham to the city centre. Flooding in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2018 affected communities along the catchment. In 2018 the River Rea reached its highest recorded levels.

Earlier schemes

A 2.7 million pound scheme completed in January 2018 reduced the risk to more than 200 homes and businesses in Selly Park South. A separate four million pound partnership scheme protects more than 150 properties in Selly Park North and Selly Oak, using flood storage near the Bourn Brook.

Other stretches of the Rea, including Highgate and Digbeth on the lower river and Kings Norton and Northfield on the upper river, are being studied separately.

Know your flood risk

Anyone can check the long-term flood risk for their address on the Government's website, and sign up for free flood warnings from the Environment Agency by phone, text or email.

Heavy rain this week

With heavy rain forecast on Wednesday, residents in areas that have flooded before are advised to keep drains clear and check the latest warnings.