Nursery plan for Walsall house rejected by council

Officers said the plan for the property on Bosty Lane, in Aldridge, would have had a negative impact on neighbours while the need for a new nursery in the area had not been demonstrated.

The applicant, Jemma Connor-Iommi, said existing nurseries in Aldridge and Rushall had huge waiting lists and a lack of available facilities would not attract young families to move there.

She said there would be up to 15 places for children aged from babies to pre-school youngsters up to four years old.

In her application she said: “The proposed nursery will be a small, family run business offering a safe, caring and nurturing environment for a maximum of 15 children.

“As the nursery aims to support working parents, the majority of children will be dropped off between 7am and 7.45am Monday to Friday.

“This would not clash with peak commuter and school traffic and parents would be encouraged to keep noise levels to a minimum out of respect for residents living in neighbouring properties.

“The collection times will vary, mainly between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. On average it should take a maximum of five minutes for parents to drop off and pick up their children.

“I believe that there is a demand for a new nursery in this area as the existing ones have lengthy waiting lists.

“If Aldridge wants to encourage young families to move into the area it should ensure that it fully supports working parents by having excellent childcare facilities on its doorstep.

“If my application is successful, I intend to forge close links with local schools and clubs to benefit the young people of Aldridge.

“I will also provide a safe and secure learning environment for the children entrusted into my care, provide job opportunities for suitably qualified people within the community and offer discounted sessions for local residents.”

But the application was refused by Walsall Council’s planning officers with one of the main reasons being noise and disturbance to neighbours due to the increased use of the site.

The decision notice added: “The applicant has failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed nursery serves a local need that could not be met within Aldridge District Centre and Rushall Local Centre.

“The proposed use as a result would impact upon the vitality and viability of Aldridge District Centre and Rushall Local Centre.”