Solihull College has been given planning permission for an ambitious expansion of its Smith's Wood campus.

It is exciting news for the college which it says needs a new and purpose-built bricklaying workshop at its Woodlands Campus "to accommodate the college's anticipated growth".

The college originally applied to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for a single storey modular building, landscaping works and alterations to access arrangements last year.

It proposed the workshop be built on part of the Auckland Drive college's existing car park.

In a planning statement included in the application the college wrote: "Solihull College has experienced year-on-year growth of over 30 per cent in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) courses, particularly in construction-related disciplines like bricklaying.

"The proposed development is part of a broader initiative to train the next generation of skilled professionals and support the housebuilding and construction industries.

"The new bricklaying workshop will expand the capacity of the college to accommodate 72 students (growth of 50 per cent compared to 150 learners in 2024/25) – addressing a shortfall in indoor training space.

"The existing campus buildings are fully utilised, and the sports pitch limits developable land. The chosen site was selected after testing multiple options.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"Solihull Council is respectfully minded to approve this application within the statutory timeframe, without delay."

During a consultation period which took place earlier this year five objections were made by neighbours over its impact and the potential for a rise in anti-social behaviour.

But none of the statutory consultees including highways, as well as the ward councillors and Smith's Wood Parish Council, made no objections.

And officers wrote in a report: "The proposal would not result in any unacceptable harm through overbearing impact, loss of outlook or loss of residential amenity."

The council's website now shows that on August 13 officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement service, issued a decision notice granting planning permission, subject to conditions.

To view the successful application search for PL/2025/01770/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.