Children's nursery at 169 and 167 Crook Lane, Winsford

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission to use two residential buildings and outdoor areas as a nursery for children aged zero to five.

“Description of development: Change of use from residential dwellings to a nursery (retrospective)”

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the two buildings and associated outdoor areas to a nursery for children aged 0-5 years. The site has maximum capacity for 56-85 children per session. The range given is based on the minimum OFSTED nursery space standards, which vary for children of different ages.”

Officer report

The site

The site comprised two buildings and hardstanding within Winsford’s settlement boundary, surrounded by homes, a church, cemetery, school and healthcare centre.

“The site comprises two buildings and associated hardstanding, located within the settlement boundary of Winsford. The larger two storey building (no.169) to the front of the site was formerly used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), with the smaller building (no.167) to the rear of this comprising a two-storey dwelling. The site is surrounded by a number of different uses including a church, cemetery, dwellings, primary school and healthcare centre.”

Officer report

Earlier application and current use

An earlier nursery application was withdrawn, and the nursery had been operating in one building since April 2024, serving 67 local children and families.

“This application follows on from Application ref 23/03512/FUL which sought consent for the change of use of the former HMO building and associated outdoor areas to a nursery. This application was withdrawn in July 2024 under the understanding that the applicant wished to submit a revised application including no. Crook Lane within the nursery site to address officer concerns regarding residential amenity.”

“This application therefore includes both 167 and 169 Crook Lane. The nursery has been operating in no.169 since April 2024 and currently serves 67 local children and their families.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because childcare was supported in principle, highway impacts were acceptable with a child limit, and residential impacts could be controlled by conditions.

“The site is located within the settlement boundary of Winsford where the provision of new childcare facilities is generally supported in principle in accordance with Policies STRAT 1, STRAT 2 and STRAT 6 and Policy W 1. A condition restricting the maximum number of children per session to 66 is recommended to prevent an unacceptable impact on highway safety during peak times in accordance with Policies STRAT 10 and T5.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The ward councillor supported the application, the town council had no objections, and consultees raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Environmental Protection Team – No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

No representations were received from local residents.

“Representations (including from local residents) – None received…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Simon Boone spoke on the application as an agent.

The committee vote

The proposal to approve the application subject to the report’s conditions was passed unanimously.

“A proposal to approve the application, subject to conditions in the report was passed unanimously.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Conditions included limiting each session to 66 children, controlling plant noise, and fixing shut or obscuring specified windows.

“To approve the development subject to the conditions described below.”

“Development must commence within 3 years 2. Development must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans 3. Maximum number of 66 children per session 4. Plant and Equipment Noise Assessment 5. Windows within south eastern elevation fixed shut 6. First Floor windows within south eastern elevation obscure glazed…”

Officer report