Third time lucky for children’s nursery plans
A couple wanting to open a children’s nursery near Cannock town centre have proved third time lucky in their bid – after temporary permission was granted by councillors.
The plans to convert a Stafford Road home into a day nursery were approved on the third visit to Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee.
But the permission will only last 12 months from when the nursery opens – and no more than 37 children may be there at any one time – as part of the conditions agreed at Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.
The application was previously recommended for refusal by council planning officers, after parking provision on the site was considered inadequate.
Concerns had been raised the lack of spaces will lead to more vehicles being parked along the busy A34 Stafford Road, increasing “highway danger”.
Councillors supported the plans however and backed a temporary approval at a meeting in early October after visiting the site for themselves.
Applicant Sascha Westhoefer said at the previous meeting he was willing to consider a trial period for the nursery, so that its impact could be reconsidered when it was up and running
Councillor Andrea Layton said: “I think there is a need for a nursery in Cannock town centre, especially one that’s accessible for people to get to by public transport. Not all parents drive.
“With it being so central I think it will be much easier for parents to get to if they are getting the bus. Opening 7.30am to 6pm children will be coming and going, unlike a nursery school which is 9am to 3pm. It’s unlikely to need that many spaces at any one time.”
Councillor Zaphne Stretton said: “Just up the street from me is a nursery and it’s quite large in size. There are no parking bays and there are no problems up to date.
“It must have been going 10 or 12 years and we have no accidents or any problems. The Walsall Road is just as bad as this road; there are vehicles going by all the time.
It will be close to the bus station so people can go on the bus, drop their children off and walk to work. Honestly I can’t see any problem at all.
“I think it’s what Cannock needs. I wish them every success.”
