Martial arts centre for disabled lined up in Rowley Regis

Sandwell Council's planning committee approved plans for a karate centre on Powke Lane Industrial Estate, in Rowley Regis, despite officers recommending refusal.

Ben Campbell, a martial arts instructor and national sporting coach, urging councillors to grant approval said the centre would hold classes four days a week and on Saturday mornings for 15 to 20 disabled and able-bodied students.

Saying he and a number of his students would be going to the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, he emphasised the club would be open to everyone.

He said: “I have a number of kids with disabilities, children with autism and I have one of only seven children in the country with what is known as a double chromosome, as a student. My plans are to apply for further permission to have the first fully accessible disabilities martial arts centre in the Midlands.

“Hopefully I will also be working with schools to provide training for children with special needs. I have a large club but I only have a small number of elite athletes but what I am proposing is not just for me and them, this is for everybody.”

Planning officers recommended refusal on the grounds the area was designated for industrial use. But councillors approved the plans after adding a condition that they work with Mr Campbell to address parking issues.

The plans will now go before full council for ratification.

By George Makin, Local Democracy Reporter