Nursery and family centre at Malik House, Sheffield

What was proposed

The application sought to turn a four-bedroom dwelling into a nursery and family centre, with a side extension, canopy, garden works and acoustic fencing.

“Proposal Use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) as a nursery/ family centre (Use Class E(f)) and erection of single- storey side extension and canopy to front…”

“The application site is a detached residential dwelling situated on the south-west side of Springfield Road. The property is in approximately 116 metres to the junction with Millhouses Lane and Abbeydale Road. The property is set in reasonably generous grounds with large south facing side gardens and a short rear garden. The site is located in a housing area, as defined by the Sheffield Unitary Development Plan.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The detached dwelling is in a housing area near a junction, with homes nearby and a local shopping centre to the south.

“The immediate context is a mix between residential uses to the north, east and west and a defined local shopping centre to the south, with the nearest commercial use being the neighbouring property at Robin Hood pub. The surrounding residential uses are a mix of bungalows and two storey dwellings on Springfield Road and a two storey block of flats to the immediate west at 36 Millhouses Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and childcare use

The application had appeared on two earlier committee agendas without being considered, and there was no recent relevant planning history.

“This application has appeared on the two preceding Committee agendas but on both occasions was not considered by Members for procedural reasons.”

“The application states that this can operate without the need for planning permission; but no confirmation of whether permission is required has been sought from the Local Planning Authority. Although the residential use does appear to remain dominant on the existing floorplans, catering for 12 children on likely 5 days a week for 12 hours is considered overly intensive to remain in C3 use, and if the case would require planning permission.”

Officer report

The main planning issue

Officers found that childcare benefits and acceptable noise measures did not outweigh the likely severe effect of parking on traffic and pedestrians.

“- Absence of off-street parking/drop off provision, and no guarantee of sustainable transport modes, - The likelihood of significant additional on-street parking and associated traffic generation, affecting the free and safe flow of traffic on Springfield Road, - The likelihood of inappropriate parking obstructing safe access for pedestrians.”

“Officers have carefully considered the benefits of the proposal and whether adequate management and conditions could address the adverse impacts. The assessment has indicated where impacts could be adequately controlled by condition. The benefits of childcare provision in a sustainable location are acknowledged; but there is limited justification that this is the only suitable premises in the locality where it could be sited.”

Officer report

What people said

The consultation received 120 representations, including objections about character, noise and highways and support for childcare, jobs and local services.

“Noise from outdoor play will travel upwards and directly into habitable rooms of first floor flats - The noise impact assessment needs to address realistic worst-case scenarios, including high child numbers and summer operation with open windows; Cumulative noise impacts, not averaged figures - No formal noise complaints but some residents have complained about noise directly to ongoing childcare staff - The noise report contradicts the traffic assessment – the report…”

“- There is a lack of childcare facilities available locally - Childcare demand exceeds supply of early years proven by long waiting lists - Would relieve pressure on oversubscribed nurseries - Community benefit helping children to learn, develop skills and play - Improves local offering local people do not have to travel as far for childcare - Encourages community cohesion - Offers practical support to families - Good location in proximity to parks and woodland - There is a…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Three people spoke against the application, while five people spoke in support and part of another supporting statement was read aloud.

What members considered

The committee considered the application, the officer recommendation, the development plan, national policy, other relevant matters and representations.

“83a.5 The Committee considered the report and recommendation having regard to the development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework and other relevant considerations as summarised in the report and supplementary report, now submitted and also having regard to representations made.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the nursery and family centre proposal, including the extension and canopy, for the reasons in the reports.

“83a.6 RESOLVED:- That an application for the use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) as a nursery/ family centre (Use Class E(f)) and erection of single storey side extension and canopy to front at Malik House, 41 Springfield Road, Sheffield, S7 2GE be REFUSED for the reasons set out in the report and supplementary report.”

Minutes