Boosting Flood Resilience for 300 Homes in Solihull
Client: Solihull Council
Industry: Local Authority
Location: West Midlands, UK
Date: September 2025
Over 300 homes in Solihull are now better protected from surface water flooding, thanks to a long-term partnership between Solihull Council, JBA Consulting and Watertight International.
At a Glance
300+ properties made flood-resilient
Multi-year collaboration across three separate schemes
Delivered during the challenges of COVID-19
300 trees planted locally to mark each home protected
“Quality, care and delivery were exceptional” Dean Ward, Solihull Council
The Challenge
In recent years, parts of Solihull have faced repeated surface water flooding, with severe incidents recorded in 2018 and again in June 2021, following heavy localised rain.
The Knowle and Dorridge areas were especially hard hit, with over 200 homes affected during the June 2021 floods alone, as an unprecedented amount of rain overwhelmed drains and sewers..
Solihull Council recognised the urgent need for change. In early 2022, they launched an ambitious, multi-phase Property Flood Resilience (PFR) programme, not only to respond to the most recent flooding, but to put long-term resilience measures in place for the future.
Working with JBA Consulting to carry out independent property surveys and Watertight International to specify and install resilience measures, the Council delivered a gold-standard, resident-focused scheme that has now protected more than 300 properties across the borough.
What Was Done?
Across three separate schemes, delivered during the difficulties of COVID-19, JBA Consulting undertook over 300 independent PFR surveys, providing homeowners with bespoke recommendations tailored to each property. Watertight International then brought these recommendations to life, working closely with each resident to ensure a clear understanding of the work, minimal disruption, and high-quality installation of solutions.
Measures included flood doors, self-closing airbricks, airbrick covers, non-return valves, sump pumps, flood barriers, and other features, each selected and fitted according to the property’s unique needs.
But what really stood out was the approach, as Dean Ward, Head of Highway Infrastructure at Solihull Council confirms: “From the very first conversation, I knew these were the people we needed to be working with. Watertight brought collaboration, care and clarity to what could have been a very difficult process.”
“Watertight didn’t just deliver PFR; they became a trusted partner. The team was on site daily, supporting the Council, liaising directly with residents - including vulnerable individuals in extra care housing -and ensuring that every installation met the highest standards.”
What Was the Impact?
The results were exceptional, not only in terms of the physical protection delivered, but also the overall experience for everyone involved.
More than 300 homes across Solihull now have robust, code-compliant Property Flood Resilience measures. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the work was delivered on time and within budget, with every detail meticulously managed to minimise disruption to residents.
Rather than complaints, the Council received glowing feedback, with Dean Ward noting he has a “folder full” of compliments from residents, praising both the quality of the installations and the respectful, thoughtful approach of the team on the ground.
Vulnerable residents, including those in extra care housing, received personalised support and reassurance, with Watertight spending time with individuals to explain the work, ease concerns, and build trust.
To further celebrate the project’s legacy, Watertight funded and planted over 300 trees across the borough - one for every home made flood-resilient. The tree planting was delivered in collaboration with the council and local communities, including a celebratory day attended by schoolchildren and representatives from the Environment Agency.
Adds Dean Ward: “It shows that Watertight really cares. Not just about the work, but about doing the right thing.”
For Dean and his team, this was more than a successful scheme, it was a career-defining project. The experience and confidence gained through close collaboration with Watertight has helped elevate the Council’s internal capabilities and allowed Dean to grow professionally.
Going Beyond the Brief
Watertight’s “people-first” approach was clear throughout. During COVID-19, they conducted daily testing, adapted processes to protect residents and staff, and even paid out of pocket to resolve individual resident needs when necessary.
For Dean and his team, the support from Watertight provided both technical expertise and personal reassurance, as he explains: “I sleep at night knowing that if there is an issue, it would have already been handled before it even reaches me – Watertight is proactive and will do what it takes to make every install a success.”
The benefits extended far beyond the project. Dean credits this work as a key part of his own career development, with two promotions since leading the scheme.
Looking Ahead
With three successful schemes now complete, Watertight remains closely involved in Solihull’s flood strategy, supporting trials, testing innovation and continuing to deliver at scale.
“It was well within budget, delivered on time, and the quality of work was exceptional, plus the community engagement went beyond all expectations. I’ve never had a project go so well in all my 20 years in the industry. From the initial scoping to final delivery, everything ran smoothly and that’s a true testament to Watertight. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any other local authority.”
