Unpopular proposals to create a new children’s nursery on Brookside Road in Ruddington have been given the go-ahead by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC).
This is despite 17 objections (out of 18 comments) by consultees and members of the public to the original application for a ‘registered nursery’ {23/02205/FUL} followed by a further eleven objections to the application {23/02202/VAR} to allow extra onsite parking (for up to 14 cars) and longer weekday opening hours for the new business.
When the site known as ‘Brookside House’ (pictured above in June 2021) was sold off for redevelopment in 2022 by former owners Brookside Autoservices, other units there which were still occupied were also vacated. However, the commercial premises have since lain empty, facing an uncertain future. Most recently, plans to demolish all the existing buildings and build three houses and six apartments there were also shelved. This followed a negative response to the proposed development from consultees, including Ruddington Parish Council, which considered it to be “…over intensive for the plot”.
Under the now approved plans by The Childcare Company Holdings Ltd the existing building will be retained to make use of the indoor area formerly occupied by soft play centre Dizzy Rascalz. However, it also utilises the hard surface to the rear and side as a further ‘play space’ alongside bicycle stands and additional car parking spaces.
‘Condition 5’ of the original planning permission {12/01977/COU} restricted the hours of use of operation to 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Sunday. The applicant has successfully had these permitted hours changed to 07:30 to 18:00 hours Monday to Friday, but with a promise of no weekend operation.
Objections to the nursery plans from Ruddington Parish Council, Rushcliffe Borough Councillor Jen Walker and the public were primarily focused on the lack of parking and the amount of extra pick-up and drop-off traffic which would be generated in an already congested, residential area.
However, the Highways report on the application stated: “The proposal has provided parking to cater for members of staff. There is enough space for drop off and pick up within the site curtilage. Based on the submitted information, Highways have no objection to the proposal.”
It seems RBC agrees, and has granted planning permission, subject to eight conditions. These include no more than one party room or area for a maximum of fifteen children, and that there shall be no more than one party held at the premises at any given time. Also the nursery must submit a ‘Management Plan’ to include details of car parking arrangements for Unit 1 and Unit 2, how parking will be managed during the opening times of the premises, and how parking will be managed to keep the access through the site, and the management of the early morning vehicle movements.
You can find all the documents associated with this approved application >>HERE<<.
