There was disappointment for neighbours who have fought a long campaign against the expansion of a Solihull petrol station as borough planners gave the go-ahead.

Shell previously lost a bid to the revamp the station in Warwick Road at the junction with Wadleys Road in 2024.

But the oil and gas giant returned with a revised plan for a partial redevelopment of the station including extension to the existing sales building, five new car parking spaces, a new compound and landscaping.

The new application was heard at the latest meeting of Solihull Council's planning committee.

At the start of the meeting objector John Taylor, who lives on Warwick Road, said the planned scheme would add "greater demise to our neighbourhood".

And Councillor Wazma Qais, who represents Silhill where the petrol station is based, said: "The proposal constitutes an inappropriate intensification of commercial activity through the introduction of a larger retail unit.

"The associated increase in activity, noise and disturbance will result in unacceptable harm to the amenity of neighbouring residential properties."

Jackie Ford, acting on behalf of Shell, said: "Members refused the previous application for design reasons only.

"They thought a more respectful appearance of the building would be better.

"I'm here today with a revised scheme which seeks extension with matching finishes to what is there at the moment."

In the debate Councillor Dave Pinwell said: "It is almost exactly two years since we heard the (original) application, and I remember it well.

"I was not at all in favour of the design but I clearly remember that was the only problem we had.

"I'm grateful the applicant has listened and has come back with a significantly improved application.

"I'm struggling to find anything now to dismiss this application."

Councillor Prish Sharma said: "I echo Coun Pinwell.

"As a local person who lives just opposite this garage it is quite a vital development for myself, family and there are so many other neighbours.

"It is always hard to go and park at the Dovehouse Parade.

"I'm really surprised with the current economic environment we have, objecting to businesses."

When the vote was held the committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, at the meeting held on April 15.