Planners have given the go-ahead to changes to an historic Balsall Common site which will ensure it can again be used as a special school. 

Diddington Hall in Kenilworth Road was previously used by special education needs school (SEND) The Island Project before it relocated to a site in Shirley last year.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported Witherslack Group applied to Solihull Council with a new plan. 

The applicant said it wanted to re-open the premises with a new special educational needs school based there but explained various work was needed to allow for its "refurbishment and amendments to meet the school's future operational needs".

The application was for a new external classroom block, multi-use games area, perimeter fencing, new external window and louvred vents.

A planning, design and access statement from Witherslack Group, included with the application, said: "The proposed works would be fully supportive of both local and national planning policies to support the future sustainable use of the heritage asset – Diddington Hall – and allow for the continued use of the site as an important educational facility within the local area.

"The application site comprises the grade II listed building known as Diddington Hall.

"All works have been sensitively chosen to conserve the building's original architectural features and ensure any works can be easily reversed in the future without causing harm to the original fabric of the building.

"The external classroom will be clad in natural cedar timber panels which will provide a durable and natural material – this being sensitive to the heritage setting of the Diddington Hall."

Following a public consultation on Thursday, (September 25), officer Mark Andrew, the authority's head of planning, design and engagement services, granted listed building consent for the works. 

"The development must conform with the terms and approved plans," the officer added in a published decision notice.