A derelict former container depot site is set to be regenerated for a car auction business if plans are approved next week.

British Car Auctions wants to relocate from Castle Bromwich to the former P&O Container base site in Perry Barr.

The company says it has been forced to move because its current home, on the Langley Industrial Estate, has been targeted for compulsory purchase to make way for the HS2 line.

Plans for the 20-acre site off College Road in Perry Barr include an office and sales centre, workshop and valet facilities and parking for 860 cars, plus customer and staff parking spaces. About 200 staff will be employed by the firm.

Concerns that Birmingham is losing a prime piece of industrial land have been rejected by planning officers who agree with the firm that it may create as many, if not more, jobs than many industrial businesses.

The application will be considered by the council's planning committee next Thursday.

In a report to committee, planning officer Wahid Gul defended the loss of industrial land.

He said: "It should be noted that 200 new jobs is still a sizable number that would make a positive contribution to the local economy.

"It should also be noted that the onward sale of fleet vehicles is an important part of ensuring continuing demand for new automobiles to replace those sold and that therefore, indirectly the proposed use also supports automotive manufacturing which is an important component of both Birmingham’s economy today and is anticipated to grow over the next 15 years.

"These are significant benefits and as such, on balance, do represent good planning grounds to allow the loss of industrial land."