Preschool hours and noise plan at Land Rear Of Methodist Church, High Street, Oakley, Bedford

“Updating the preschool’s operational hours; and 2. Replacing the 2022 Noise Management Plan with the revised Noise Management Plan 2025.”

“- 36 - No physical development or changes to the building are proposed.”

“The application site is located to the rear of the Methodist Church in Oakley and is accessed via the private driveway known as Chapel Pound from High Street. The wider landholding comprises designated Village Open Space, with the current proposal relating to approximately 0.21 hectares of the overall 0.58 hectare area. In addition to the Methodist Church, the Village Open Space is enclosed by established residential development.”

“A Methodist Chapel has been present in Oakley since the mid 19th century. The original chapel building dating from the 1870s was replaced by a modern structure in 1974, which continues to serve the church congregation. An earlier wing, dating from approximately 1908, also remains and accommodates Oakley Pre School.”

“Planning permission was first granted in March 2019 under LPA reference 18/02691/FUL for the erection of a single storey prefabricated building located to the rear of the existing church car park on part of the designated Village Open Space. The approved building measured approximately 20.6m in length, 10m in width, and 3.6m in height, and incorporated timber cladding, render, and a shallow pitched roof screened by a parapet.”

“The approved building provided approximately 193 sqm of internal floorspace, comprising an entrance lobby, two classrooms (each with designated WCs), a separate disabled WC / nappy change facility, a kitchen, a library/quiet room, a staff office and storage areas. In supporting that application, the applicant explained that the existing church building had deteriorated over time and had become increasingly expensive and inefficient to operate.”

“The Environmental Health Officer raises no objection to the extended hours or to the revised Noise Management Plan.”

“Officers consider that the revised Noise Management Plan provides clearer operational controls and a more robust procedure for neighbours to raise and resolve concerns.”

“Env Health & Trading Standards No objection subject to re-imposition of conditions Countryside Access Service (Public Rights Of Way) Informative recommended Arboricultural Officer - Planning No objection Waste Services Manager No comments to make Grounds Maintenance /Parks And Open Spaces No comments to make Natural England No comments received Ramblers Association No comments received Open Spaces Society No comments received…”

“Prior to any changes in the operational hours commencing, details of a fence to be erected along the southern boundary of Zone D of the site shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval in writing within one month of the date of this planning permission. The approved fence shall then be erected within three months of the date of this planning permission and shall thereafter be retained and maintained for the lifetime of the development.”

“The pre-school use shall not take place other than between the following hours and in accordance with the zone plan contained within the approved Noise Management Plan (V01) dated 16th October 2025 (NMP 2025): - Zone A – Entrance and Car Park - Use permitted between: 07:30 and 19:30 Monday to Friday - Zone B – Main Building Use permitted between: 07:30 and 19:30 Monday to Friday - Zone C – Formal Equipped Outdoor Play Area Use permitted between: 08:15 and 17:45 Monday to…”