A LEADING tropical fish and aquarium specialists will be moving to the Bromsgrove district next summer with ambitious plans to make their new home "one of the best in Europe".

Shirley Aquatics will relocate to a "state-of-the-art" site at Becketts Farm on Alcester Road, Wythall, in a move that will accommodate 40 jobs, including 16 new full-time positions.

On Monday, December 5, councillors at Bromsgrove District Council voted four in favour and three against the move, which will change the use of an existing agricultural building and develop on Green Belt land.

The popular family business, which was founded in 1939, will move from Shirley to their new home in September, bringing with them 200,000 visitors per year.

Richard Cook, managing director, told the Advertiser: "We are delighted to be moving to Becketts Farm and are already well into the planning stages of the new store.

"We intend this to not just be one of the best in the UK, but in Europe.

"The new store will be on two levels, with a state-of-the-art fish and reptile room downstairs and a luxurious aquarium showroom upstairs.

"Together with an amazing koi carp and coldwater fish display plus inspirational gardens outside, we hope this dream project of ours will have something for everyone."

Ward councillor Geoff Denaro, who requested the application to be considered by the Planning Committee after it was recommended for refusal, said the decision shows Bromsgrove is "open for business".

He added: "This application embodies what we have been looking for: jobs, investment and knock-on economic benefits from our communities."

The company, who will keep their existing name, were looking to move after their current site in Shirley was granted planning permission for a care home.