Solihull College has received official planning permission for an ambitious development project at its Smith’s Wood campus. The approval paves the way for the construction of a new purpose-built bricklaying workshop at the Woodlands Campus, aimed at accommodating the college’s anticipated growth in student numbers, particularly in construction-related courses.
The college initially submitted an application to Solihull Council last year, proposing a single-storey modular building alongside associated landscaping and alterations to existing access routes. The planned workshop will be situated on part of the Auckland Drive campus’s current car park.
According to the planning statement included in the application, Solihull College has seen a consistent annual increase of over 30 per cent in enrolments in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects, with notable growth in disciplines such as bricklaying. This development forms part of a wider strategy to equip the next generation of skilled professionals and to support the local housebuilding and construction sectors.
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The new workshop is designed to expand the college’s capacity to accommodate up to 72 students, representing a 50 per cent increase compared to the current figure of 150 learners in the 2024/25 academic year. The college highlighted a pressing shortage of indoor training space, as existing campus buildings are fully utilised, and options for expansion are constrained by the presence of a sports pitch.
Following a consultation period earlier this year, five objections were lodged by local residents citing concerns about the potential impact of the development and a possible rise in anti-social behaviour. However, no objections were raised by statutory consultees, including highways authorities, ward councillors, and Smith’s Wood Parish Council.
Council officers assessed the proposal and concluded that it would not cause any unacceptable harm in terms of visual impact, outlook loss, or residential amenity. Subsequently, on 13 August, Mark Andrews, Head of Planning, Design and Engagement Services at Solihull Council, issued a decision notice granting planning permission, subject to standard conditions.
For those interested in reviewing the details of the approved application, it can be found by searching for reference PL/2025/01770/PPFL on the Solihull Council public access planning portal.