PLANS to build a performing arts centre at Halesowen College have been approved despite residents’ fears of increased parking congestion.

The two-storey “bespoke” accommodation will provide students with rehearsal and performance space for music, dance and drama at the Whittingham Road campus.

At present the college hires venues including Benjamins, to deliver this element of the curriculum and college principal Keith Bate said the new block will reduce the number of vehicle movements needed to transport students to off-site facilities.

But angry residents fear it will mean increased parking outside their homes.

Protest leader David Clarke, of Greenbush Drive, told Monday’s meeting of Dudley Council’s development control committee: “The residential area nearby has become overflow parking for the college.

“The position will become critical and intolerable if this development goes ahead.”

Planners received 44 objections to the plan, but councillors gave the go-ahead on condition that a new travel plan was carried out.

Mr Clarke claimed the 2010 travel plan was out of date and said his own survey – which he said had not been refuted by the college -revealed a shortfall of about 100 college car parking spaces.

He said residents in Whittingham Road and on the Newfield estate face daily difficulties getting on and off their drives with cars parked opposite and close on either side.

“It also means there is no-where for family and friends to park or for people making deliveries,” he said.

Residents say the removal of parking permits from students living along college bus routes, as part of its green policy, had exacerbated what was already a nuisance caused by a shortage of college parking Mr Clarke said: “Students prefer the convenience of travelling to and from college in their own cars – they can’t park in the college car park so they park in the streets.”

He added: “The point is the college says this development will not increase the number of students at the college – but it will increase the number of students at the Whittingham Road campus”

“The college forecasts that 200 students will be on this course this academic year and, therefore, those who have cars will bring them to the Whittingham Road campus”

Mr Clarke said local councillors, including Donella Russell and Ian Cooper, were trying to find solutions to the general parking problems.

Mr Bate was unavailable for comment.