Children's nursery at Pear Tree Inn, Prescot Road, Melling

The site

The site is a developed triangular plot in the Green Belt, with a two-storey former restaurant, parking, nearby housing and a petrol station.

“The site is situated on a triangular plot, between Prescot Road and Bank Lane, Melling. The site is immediately south of a roundabout connecting Banks Lane and Prescot Road. The site is located within the Green Belt, albeit in a relatively built-up area. The existing building on the site comprises a two-storey detached building, which was previously in use as a restaurant. The site affords off-road vehicular parking.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier applications concerned extensions and alterations to the premises but none directly concerned nursery use.

“There have been various applications relating to the extension and alteration of the existing premises over the years, none of which directly relate to the use of the premises as a nursery.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in the Green Belt and would not cause significant highway, neighbour or air-quality harm.

“The proposal would convert the existing pub/restaurant into a nursery. This would help towards meeting Seftons Childcare need, whilst the principle of the development is acceptable within the Green Belt.”

“The proposal does not cause any significant Highway Safety, and would not present any significant impacts to the amenity enjoyed by neighbouring properties. The proposal would not give rise to air quality concerns.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Early Years Team supported the development, while highways and environmental health raised no objections subject to conditions.

“Sefton Early Years Team Support the development.”

“Environmental Health Manager No objection subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Objections and ward concerns

Six objections raised concerns about policy support, air quality, need, highway safety, parking, Green Belt harm and work already starting.

“A total of six objections have been received and the issues raised are summarised below.”

“No policy support for site • Concern over air quality and health • No evidence of need • Highway safety and parking implications • Harm to the Green Belt • Work has already started…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor was absent, but written representations on behalf of residents were read out and the agent responded.

The committee vote

The committee approved the recommendation.

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted for the nursery conversion and associated works, subject to the stated conditions and reasons.

“The Committee considered the report of the Chief Planning Officer recommending that the above application for the change of use from a former restaurant to a children's nursery including a single storey extension to the rear and alterations to side elevation be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered approved plans, materials, sound insulation, travel arrangements, parking, cycle storage, operating hours and the number of children.

“5) The development shall not be occupied or brought into use until a Travel Plan comprising immediate, continuing and long-term measures to promote and encourage alternatives to single-occupancy car use has been prepared, submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved Travel Plan shall then be implemented, monitored and reviewed in accordance with the agreed Travel Plan Targets.”

“7) The development shall not be occupied until facilities for the secure storage of cycles have been provided in accordance with details shown on drawing number 1348-03-02-002 Rev F Site Layout Plan Proposed and they shall be retained in perpetuity thereafter. Reason: To ensure that enough cycle parking is provided for the development in the interest of promoting non-car based modes of travel.”

Officer report