Agenda item

DEFERRED

Change of use of School House from educational (school) use falling within Class F1 to a pre-school (Class E(f)). RETROSPECTIVE application.

An oral representation in objection to the application was given by a neighbour, who explained that he was also representing views of local residents. Members were informed that the noise from the pre-school has a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties, confirmed by the number of objections raised to the application. It was felt that the noise impact assessment carried out was not realistic due to dense foliage masking the level of noise. The Speaker requested that the children are only allowed to play at the front of the house to limit the effects of noise.

It was confirmed that the only screening between the property and the pre-school garden is a single garden fence. In response to a question from a Committee Member, the Speaker confirmed that there was virtually no noise impact when the children were inside the pre-school and noise was minimal when the children played in the front of the pre-school. A limit to the amount of playing time was also mentioned.

The Committee were also informed that the office and an upstairs bedroom overlook the garden area of the pre-school, together with the back garden resulting in a lack of privacy. Proper noise reducing screening would also be welcomed.

An oral representation was then received from the Agent in support of the application. Members were informed that it was felt there would be no adverse impact to residents if the pre-school adhered to the proposed conditions. The pre-school opening hours were highlighted with the result that any noise generated is limited to these hours. With regard to the impact on traffic and parking, the Speaker explained that it was felt this is minimal as a lot of children arrive on foot or with siblings attending Clare House Primary School.

The outcome of the Noise Impact Assessment was referred to by the Speaker, confirming that the impact on neighbouring premises is relatively low. Following discussions with Environmental Health, it has been agreed that the children play in front of the pre-school, and that is the plan going forward.

In response to a question from a Member, the Speaker confirmed that there are currently no plans to increase the number of children at the pre-school or to extend the premises.

The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Harris, then read out a statement from Ward Member, Councillor Tickner, as he was unable to attend the meeting in person. Councillor Tickner brought to the Committee’s attention the adverse and unnecessary noise impact on residents and highlighted the large number of written objections.

The Committee then discussed the application, and a Member mentioned that there is a need within the Borough for nursery provision. It was also felt that if approved, imposing conditions regarding screening, limiting outside use, windows being obscured etc would be a good idea.

The question of whether restricting children’s time spent outside for playing and learning was appropriate for a pre-school was also discussed. The need for more investigation into the noise impact was also highlighted as among the reasons for a deferral of the application.

Planners did remind Members that only planning considerations could be taken into account and confirmed that any breaches of any conditions imposed could be reported to the Council.

A motion to APPROVE the application in line with Officers’ recommendations was then voted on but not carried.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, then RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE DEFERRED – To seek further noise assessments and confirmation that the existing noise is not a nuisance.