Halesowen College's £3m expansion plan hit with objections

Halesowen College unveiled proposals to create a £3 million performing arts centre at its Whittingham Road campus.

It is the latest stage of revamp work at the site which is seeing £20 million invested in replacing outdated buildings.

But some residents have tabled concerns over the proposals which have been lodged with Dudley Council's planning department.

Their concerns hinge on claims roads outside are congested by traffic including students and staff parking while attending the college.

A decision is due to be taken over the planning application in the coming weeks.

If approved the building work could start by November ready to open in spring.

Among those to object to the scheme is Woodridge Road resident Amy Parry who wrote: "It's irresponsible to build more college buildings without adequate parking for students.

"As residents we have all had enough and if they go ahead and increase the size of the college out (sic) is going to get worse."

Another resident, in a letter to the council, added: "Halesowen College keeps being extended when there are already objections raised regarding on street parking by staff and students as the college doesn't extend on site parking.

Halesowen College bosses say the scheme would cut down the number of journeys made by students off site to use arts facilities elsewhere.

Around 167 students currently take classes at Benjamin's, a function hall, in the town centre.

In a planning document by consultants Brooke Smith Planning, officials said: "There will be no net increase in students as a direct result of the proposed development. The college does not intend to recruit any additional students.

"The proposal is simply to alleviate the commute of students between the main campus and Benjamin's.

"It is also to provide much-needed state of the art facilities on site, thereby reducing journeys on foot off site."

The report added: "There is no further parking proposed as part of the proposed development. It will not therefore result in any highway implications.

"This is because the proposal is for improved facilities for existing students, and not to increase student numbers at the site.

"The proposed development will in fact lead to a significant reduction in the movement of students on foot who will no longer be required to travel to Benjamin's, and will remain on the main campus for the full day."

The college offers a range of art A-levels, including photography and graphic communication.