Day nursery at Opal House, Watton, Thetford

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a day nursery for up to 25 children, with internal alterations, parking, security and play areas.

“Proposal: Change of use for a residential dwelling: The property will transition from Residential (Use Class C3) to a Day Nursery (Use Class E(f)). The proposed changes include internal renovations to the building. Additionally, the applicant plans to provide secure access and a play area for the children attending the nursery.”

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The application seeks to change the use of Opal House from a residential dwelling (Class C3) to a day nursery (Class E(f)). The proposed changes are: 1. Converting the ground floor into an under-2’s toddler room 2. Converting the upstairs bedrooms into an office, staff room and preschool classrooms 3. Installation of a fire alarm, security system and internal CCTV for safeguarding purposes 4.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey detached dwelling on a residential estate, accessed from Griston Road, with gardens, parking, hedges and boundary fencing.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site is Opal House, Number 61 of Griston Road, Watton, and is within the settlement boundary of Watton. The site comprises predominately residential estate with minor commercial business in proximity to the Opal House. Access to the site is via Griston Road, which runs northwest to southeast and ends as a cul-de-sac.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the additional traffic and amenity effects were not significant overall, subject to conditions including a 25-child limit.

“As outlined above, whilst the proposal will result in additional traffic movement and that there would be some impact on local amenities, it is considered that on balance, these effects are not significant to deem the proposal unacceptable.”

“Therefore, the proposed change of use from a residential (Class C3) to a day nursery (Class E(f)) is acceptable on balance, subject to conditions, including a limit to the number of children to 25. This proposal therefore accords with the policies within the Breckland Local Plan (2023), together with the aims of the NPPF (2024), and the application is accordingly recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What people said

Twenty-four representations supported the nursery for its community benefits, while 20 objected because of increased traffic and noise.

“Support The proposed day nursery will benefit the community and will not impact significantly on both traffic intensification and noise.”

“Objections The proposed day nursery will generate intensification of traffic and increase noise levels for residents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and two objectors made representations under the committee’s public speaking arrangements.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the application in detail against relevant policies and guidance.

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously in favour of the officer recommendation, subject to the listed conditions.

“DECISION: Members voted unanimously in favour of the Officer’s recommendation of approval, subject to the conditions as listed in the report.”

Minutes