The Environment Agency (EA) have identified Weoley Hill Park 1 (the section nearest to the Bristol Road) as being one of three locations suitable for temporarily storing river water during periods of heavy rainfall, preventing it from flowing further downstream, and thus reducing the risk of flooding.
Preliminary Plans were published in January 2024 for large-scale structures in Weoley Hill Park 1, Valley Parkway and Manor Farm Park. In Weoley Park 1, a large U-shaped dam was proposed, and the brook would have been culverted most of the way through the park. The EA say that these were "worst-case scenario" plans, and "gave the wrong impression".
In May, ground investigation works were paused to allow time for better engagement with the public.
According to the EA, "All options remain on the table, including do nothing, but there is a compelling case for the need for a flood risk management scheme in this area, and the initial baseline modelling of flood risk has shown this. We are committed to working in collaboration with the community to find a solution that meets all of our objectives."