Sixth form block likely to get permission

Controversial plans for a £6.5 million sixth form centre in Halesowen look set to be approved despite a dispute about student numbers.

The scheme, submitted by Windsor High School, was rejected by Dudley Council but the verdict was reversed at appeal by a government body.

Now council planners are recommending the ambitious scheme, which includes science laboratories and a health performance centre, be approved when it comes before Dudley Council's development control committee on May 11.

The new building at the site in Richmond Street would have places for 300 students and it is expected 75 per cent of these would be existing pupils.

If the proposals are given the green light, the new sixth form is expected to open its doors in September 2010.

But people living near the site say the new building would tower over neighbouring houses.

More than 30 residents signed a petition against the plans and expressed concern about a potential increase in traffic from the site.

The school's original bid was rejected last year after Councillor Liz Walker said there were not enough pupils to justify the new sixth form.