Walsall nursery plan turned down over noise fears

Controversial plans for a new nursery catering for more than 50 children in an upmarket area of Walsall have been turned down by planning officers due to concerns over noise, location and parking.

The nursery was earmarked for Chester Road in Streetly. It would have created up to a dozen full and part-time jobs.

The plan was to convert a former five-bedroom residential care home but it was turned down by officers at Walsall Council under delegated powers.

Streetly councillor Gary Clarke said the decision would be welcomed by residents, who had a number of concerns.

"I agree with the council on turning that plan down due to the traffic problems and parking situation, along with the noise for residents," he said today.

The plans submitted by applicant Fiona Jackson said the number of children allowed outside would be restricted to 12 at a time between 10am and 2pm to reduce noise levels for neighbouring properties.

But head of planning David Elsworthy said: "A day nursery would be an intensive use and the use of the garden for the majority of the day would result in an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance for existing residential occupiers."