Children's nursery conversion at The North Star, Welwyn

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the former public house into a children’s day nursery, with changes to parking, landscaping, storage, boundaries and play areas.

“The application site comprises the former North Star public house located north of Great North Road. The site includes a two-storey building, associated outbuilding, parking areas and landscaping. The building is of traditional appearance and occupies a prominent roadside position. The surrounding area is predominantly residential, with dwellings to the east and west.”

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of the public house to a children’s day nursery. Associated works include the conversion of the garage to a buggy/refuse store, alterations to fenestration, revised parking and access arrangements including EV charging points, landscaping enhancements, new boundary treatments, and outdoor play areas.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered a car park and private garage, loggias and porch, signage, and a retrospective front awning.

“Application Number: N6/1974/0381/ Decision: Granted Decision Date: August 1974 Proposal: Car park and private garage…”

“Application Number: N6/2007/1609/FP Decision: Granted Decision Date: December 2007 Proposal: Retrospective application for installation of fixed awning to front elevation…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, ecology, environmental health, client services and landscapes raised no objections in principle, subject to conditions.

“The following consultees have responded advising that they have no objections to the proposal in principle, subject to conditions being applied:”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the nursery, while the ward councillor, a resident and a parish councillor opposed it.

What members debated

Members discussed policy compliance, nursery need, the pub’s community role, possible residential development and whether the proposal maintained a community facility.

“A member asked for confirmation that current application complies with planning policies. The Development Management Manager confirmed that it does comply with both policies SADM7 and SADM 4. The Assistant Director added that officers make planning decisions in association with the local plan and this proposal was essentially a shift from one community facility to another. • A member asked if there was evidence that the area needed another nursery.”

“The Executive Director responded that, although they provide different benefits to the local community, they were both classed along with 12 others as community facilities. Therefore, with that in mind, it’s still being maintained as a community facility. • A member commented it was hard to find a breach of planning law but as he didn’t like the application he would have to abstain from voting.”

Minutes