WESTON College’s plans to transform the Winter Gardens into a Law and Professional Services Centre have been approved this afternoon (Wednesday).

North Somerset Council’s planning and regulatory committee met to discuss the college’s grand plans for the Winter Gardens, in Weston-super-Mare today.

The venue is due to be formally transferred to the college in spring next year – after the council agreed to hand it over for £1 in January.

The college’s plans were revealed in August. The ballroom and pavilion will be refurbished and the building will be redeveloped to include seminar rooms, a court room and a new two-storey entrance.

The college’s principal, Dr Paul Phillips, said: “I am delighted that North Somerset councillors have granted planning permission for this exciting development.”

* For a full reaction to the decision, pick up a copy of the Mercury on October 22.