Nursery scheme faces rejection
Controversial plans to transform a house in a quiet Staffordshire street into a nursery for more than 30 children may be thrown out by planners. Controversial plans to transform a house in a quiet Staffordshire street into a nursery for more than 30 children may be thrown out by planners. Surbjit Kaur Mattu has lodged plans with South Staffordshire Council. He wants to transform a large detached house in Leacroft Lane, Great Wyrley, into a nursery. But 13 neighbours objected fearing it would be out of character in a peaceful area predominantly made up of older residents. They also fear traffic problems at the top of Leacroft Lane and onto the A34 Walsall Road. A petition was submitted against the change of use which had been signed by 63 people. The plans state the nursery would look after 14 youngsters up to the age of two and 23 children aged between three and five-years-old. The authority's regulatory committee will decide tomorrow whether or not to grant planning permission but its officers have advised it to refuse. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Controversial plans to transform a house in a quiet Staffordshire street into a nursery for more than 30 children may be thrown out by planners.
Surbjit Kaur Mattu has lodged plans with South Staffordshire Council.
He wants to transform a large detached house in Leacroft Lane, Great Wyrley, into a nursery. But 13 neighbours objected fearing it would be out of character in a peaceful area predominantly made up of older residents. They also fear traffic problems at the top of Leacroft Lane and onto the A34 Walsall Road.
A petition was submitted against the change of use which had been signed by 63 people.
The plans state the nursery would look after 14 youngsters up to the age of two and 23 children aged between three and five-years-old.
The authority's regulatory committee will decide tomorrow whether or not to grant planning permission but its officers have advised it to refuse.
Its officers feared the proposed change of use in a residential area would be detrimental to people living nearest to the site because of noise from indoor and outdoor activities involving large numbers of children.
The applicant currently operates a children's day nursery in nearby Bridgtown but wants to move to a more modern environment.
The property is on a generous corner plot and has a spacious and pleasant garden, detached twin garage and two driveways.
A report prepared by a planning officer for the regulatory committee said: "I am aware that children's day nurseries can result in varying amounts of noise from either playing or even upset children and that these noises can carry to adjacent sites."
It added: "It is possible that good management of both children and staff could help minimise noise from the premises but I am also aware that bad or indifferent management could result in noise pollution."
Great Wyrley Parish Council objected to plans amid concerns it would affect residents. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of extra traffic on the A34 Walsall Road but was not supported by highways experts.
A further three councillors objected separately over the lack of parking, noise and road issues.
