Plans for a new 'mini service station' to be built alongside the M5 motorway in West Bromwich have been given the official green light by Sandwell Council. The development, set for a brownfield site near the Kaizen building, is designed to address a critical gap in the region's electric vehicle infrastructure.
Key Details of the Approved Development
The approved scheme will see the construction of four new commercial units on land that has been largely unused since 2017. The unit sizes are specified as one larger space of approximately 4,000 square feet and three smaller units each measuring 1,200 square feet.
The applicant, Beyond I-Land, secured Class E usage for these spaces. This flexible classification permits a wide range of services, potentially including retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, offices, or gyms, making the site a versatile stop for motorists.
A dedicated 32-space customer car park is included in the final design to accommodate visitors. The site's location is strategically positioned adjacent to the M5, next to the building formerly known as Intersection House, now called Kaizen.
EV Charging: The Deciding Factor for Planners
A primary driver behind the council's approval was the urgent need for more electric vehicle charging facilities close to the motorway network. The provision of super-fast, rapid EV charging points was cited as an overriding public benefit.
This consideration ultimately outweighed initial planning concerns. Council officers had noted that the out-of-centre development contradicted policies aimed at protecting West Bromwich town centre's vitality. However, the demonstrable demand for high-speed charging infrastructure on the strategic road network proved decisive in securing planning permission on December 1, 2025.
Revitalising a Brownfield Site
The project represents a regeneration opportunity for a disused parcel of land. The site had previously functioned as an overspill car park for the adjacent property but had fallen into redundancy.
By developing this long-term brownfield site, the project aligns with broader goals of utilising previously developed land while delivering essential modern infrastructure for the growing number of electric vehicles on UK roads.
