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Great Barr nursery plan recommended for refusal over road accident fears

More than 150 worried residents have spoken out against plans to open a new nursery in Great Barr, over fears it could increase road accidents.

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The property in Newton Road, Great Barr, which developers hope to convert into a nursery. Photo: Google

Members of Sandwell Council’s planning committee are being urged to refuse the application to convert the empty house on Newton Road into a nursery with a capacity for 81 children.

A total of 170 people have raised objections to the proposal; although 16 have also written in support, saying there is a need for the service in the area.

Planning officers, however, believe the plan – put forward by applicant T Singh Johal – would exacerbate parking and highways safety issues and are recommending it be refused at the meeting on July 8.

The application said the nursery would serve children aged 0-3 and operate 7am-7.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm at weekends, creating 16 jobs.

As well as nursery facilities, representatives for Mr Johal said the nursery would also operate a before and after school club for nearby Grove Vale Primary in Monksfield Avenue.

They said: “With the future increasing need for high quality childcare, it is believed this property is the ideal opportunity for a locally based ‘outstanding’ private nursery to provide such excellent care and education in the area.

“The proposal shall also create new employment opportunities and shall employ staff from the local area.”

But a report to the committee said: “The application has been publicised by neighbour notification letter with 170 objections received from local residents.

“A total of 16 emails/letters in support of the proposal have also been submitted.

“Many of the objections have reiterated similar concerns but in summary they have been received on the following grounds.

“The proposal would exacerbate parking problems that exist in the area due the location that is in proximity to Grove Vale Primary School.

“It would result in increased levels of traffic in a residential area, increasing the risk of traffic related accidents, and would therefore be detrimental to highway safety.

“The proposed nursery is not suitable considering the residential nature of the area and the use would constitute over-development and the proposal would result in noise disturbance to neighbouring houses.”

It added: “This application has been recommended for refusal as it would significantly exacerbate the existing parking and highway safety issues at this junction with Monksfield Avenue, and likely lead to an increase in injury accidents.”