Plans for a new £11m aerospace college at London Biggin Hill Airport have received a big boost as council planners throw their weight behind the scheme.

A new technology college is seen as a solution to a lack of aviation and aerospace engineers being developed.

The proposal, which has long been in the works, is a partnership between London South East Colleges, Biggin Hill Airport and the Greater London Authority.

The new college will provide space for up to 200 students and 25 teaching staff, and include a hangar and workshop for students.

Council planners have recommended councillors approve the scheme at a development control meeting next week.

In a new report, officers said: “The proposed development consists of a college that will provide specialist aviation related training for students aged 16-24 on the site of the London Biggin Hill Airport. This is a unique development that is expected to contribute to the shortage of skilled workforce that is designed to meet industry needs.

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“The appearance of the building has been designed to complement the prevailing industrial character of this area and the introduction of the gold design feature to highlight the presence of the college ties the building to the airport uses around the site.”

The partnership behind the scheme has agreed to stump up cash to review on street parking and implement waiting times to combat concern of parking problems.

Officers said: “In terms of car parking provision there is some uncertainty about the likely demand for car parking for students travelling to and from the site.

“A variety of measures to discourage students from using a car to access the site, including the provision of a shuttle bus service between Bromley College and the LATC, are proposed and it is considered that these will help limit car use,”

The new college will provide pathways to accreditation and professional qualifications within aviation.

The airfield in Bromley was originally opened in 1917 as a part of the London Air Defence Area.

It served as one of the key bases of RAF Fighter Command during the Second World War.

LSEC said previously: “London South East Colleges has been working with the airport, the GLA, the local authority and employers over the past few years to develop plans for the much-needed facility.

“The new  college will help address the huge skills gap that the aviation industry is facing by providing first-class technical training for the next generation of engineers, technicians and ground crew.”

The scheme will be debated at a meeting on July 23.