PLANS to build a new teaching block at Halesowen College's Coombs Wood campus "to relieve overcrowding" at its main site have been given the green light.

An application to construct a two-storey classroom block at its Coombs Wood Centre, on Coombs Wood Way, has been approved by Dudley Council planners.

The temporary block, designed to "relieve overcrowding" at its main Whittingham Road site until its huge new Trinity Point campus is complete, has been given permission for three-years.

Notes from the college state: "The temporary classroom accommodation at the Coombs Wood campus is primarily needed to relieve overcrowding at Whittingham Road campus until the new Trinity Point campus is complete and whilst the existing Shenstone House campus is being refurbished."

There will also be a covered walkway between the main building and the temporary block, which will be built on the car park, along with alterations to the existing car parking arrangements and the installation of new gates to the entrance.

The college has been given the go-ahead to convert the east wing of the huge Trinity Point office block on New Road near Earls Island.

Halesowen News: The East Wing of office block Trinity Point will be converted into a campus for more than 700 students The East Wing of office block Trinity Point will be converted into a campus for more than 700 students (Image: Google)

It will refurbish the building to create classrooms, studios, a student café/hub, staff offices and student welfare facilities for 720 students and 60 staff.

Notes from the college state the move will not result in a "significant change" in the number of students and staff onsite at the Coombs Wood site. 

It states: "The number of staff and students onsite at a given time will remain at up to 30 and 200 respectively.

"The reason for this is due to the hair and beauty course and apprenticeship training requiring a greater floor area per student than the previous courses hosted by the accommodation."

It goes on to say: "The majority of students will continue to use the shuttle bus services to access the college bus services which operate from Whittingham Road and Furnace Lane."

There will be 41 parking spaces.

Council planners said the "permanent retention of the classrooms and adjoining walkway is unlikely to be supported."