The £13 million expansion of a Midland Metro tram depot has been approved as part of plans to extend services across the West Midlands.

Centro wants to expand the centre in Wednesbury to fit new longer trams in a project which is set to create 15 jobs. Sandwell Council’s planning committee backed the project at a meeting last night.

The proposals for the depot in Potters Lane include an extension of the car park from 68 to 89 spaces, extensions to the operations maintenance control building, a testing and commissioning building and associated works.

The plan will cost around £13 million and create around 15 jobs. The upgrade is necessary due to the intended purchase of new trams. The scheme is part of plans for a £95m extension of the Metro system.