Outdoor nursery play area at Langley House, Finchley, London N2

What was proposed

The application sought to turn part of an office car park into an outdoor nursery play area with fencing, surfacing and a bin store.

“Proposal: Change of use of part of the existing office car park (E (g)(i)) to an outdoor play area for Day Nursery (E(f)) purposes including the construction of a new timber fence, surfacing and bin store (Additional Information Submitted)”

Officer report

The site

The site is part of Langley House, with a hard-surfaced car park beside the proposed nursery accommodation and neighbouring homes.

“The application site comprises part of the existing Langley House building, located on the eastern side of Park Road within the East Finchley Ward. The site was originally used as a church hall and meeting rooms but was subsequently converted to offices (Use Class E(g)(i)) under planning permission C00716J. The site also contains a substantial area of hard-surfaced car parking.”

“The application relates to part of the existing car park located adjacent to the proposed nursery accommodation within the building.”

Officer report

Earlier site use

The premises were previously used for church and nursery activities before permission changed the church hall and meeting rooms to offices with 22 parking spaces.

“Reference: C00716B Address: The Methodist Church Hall High Road London N2 Decision: Approved subject to conditions Decision Date: 16.02.1979 Description: Continued use of church hall for kindergarten.”

“Reference: C00716J Address: East Finchley Methodist Church Hall High Road/Park Road N2 Decision: Approved subject to conditions Decision Date: 02.01.1991 Description: Change of use of church hall and meeting rooms to offices. Formation of car park for 22 cars with vehicular access from High Road.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered that concentrated playground noise and the loss of eight parking spaces would harm residential amenity and highway safety.

“Environmental Health officers consider that the proposed outdoor play area is relatively small in size and located immediately adjacent to neighbouring residential receptors, resulting in a concentrated source of play noise in close proximity to dwelling windows and outdoor amenity areas.”

“Significant concern is also raised regarding the site's location on Park Road, where existing highway conditions are already constrained by considerable congestion and parking pressures, particularly during school start and finish times.”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors raised noise, privacy, traffic and environmental concerns, while supporters highlighted children’s health, development, safeguarding and outdoor play needs.

“Objections: - Concerns about increased noise and loss of residential amenity, particularly for properties directly adjoining the proposed play area, with specific reference to the impact on quiet enjoyment of gardens, ability to work from home, and the wellbeing of vulnerable residents in adjacent facilities - Objections regarding the adequacy of noise mitigation measures, with requests for more robust evidence, soundproofing, and reference to relevant standards such as…”

“Support: - Support for the creation of a dedicated, secure on-site outdoor play area, citing significant benefits for child safeguarding, health, wellbeing, and development, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements - Outdoor play is a fundamental and statutory part of early years education, and that the proposal restores a facility lost due to previous council redevelopment - Views that noise from children playing during nursery hours is reasonable,…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A person spoke against the application, while a councillor and the agent spoke in support.

The committee’s discussion

Members questioned the speakers and officers, then considered whether the benefits for nursery children outweighed the effect on local residents.

“The Committee then had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and officers from planning, highways and noise nuisance.”

“Further to discussions, Councillor Gordon proposed a motion to refuse the officers recommendation on the basis that on balance, the benefits of the usage of the amenity for children attending the nursery outweigh the impact on local residents. Councillor Phil Cohen seconded the motion.”

Minutes

What was decided

The application was deferred to the next Planning Committee meeting for determination after members rejected the officer recommendation.

“The recommendation to refuse the application was not carried.”

“RESOLVED That this item be deferred to the next Planning Committee meeting for determination.”

Minutes