Children’s day nursery at 12 Limes Court, (Unit 4), Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application sought to turn a ground-floor retail unit into a children’s day nursery with an external toddler play area.

“Planning application no. 25/00005/FUL Site 12 Limes Court (Unit 4), Wolverhampton, WV6 8RZ Proposal Change of use of ground floor retail unit to a children’s day nursery including external toddler play area.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is a courtyard of shops with flats above, in a conservation area, and the existing nursery previously expanded into another unit.

“Summary recommendation 1.1 Grant with conditions. Application site 2.1 A courtyard of shop units with flats above linking a public car park to shops within the centre of Tettenhall. The site is within the Tettenhall Greens Conservation Area. Application details 3.1 Limes Court was developed and opened over 20 years ago.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding that the nursery’s community benefits outweighed the retail loss and that the proposal was acceptable overall.

“The proposal does not entirely comply with policy TNP3, but the benefits of the proposal can be given significant weight. On balance, the proposal would not undermine the vibrancy of the centre, and the loss of the retail unit is acceptable in this case.”

“Conclusion 10.1 The proposal would enable the expansion of an existing children’s day nursery that provides a valuable service to the local community. In assessing planning applications, local planning authorities should determine planning applications in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations determine otherwise.”

Officer report

What people said

Four letters supported the scheme, while 13 objections raised concerns about retail balance, noise, congestion, pollution and the conservation area.

“Publicity 5.1 Four letters of support and 13 objections. Summary of grounds of objection: • Negative impact on mix of units and footfall • Noise disturbance from proposed outside play space • Increased congestion in the car park • Negative impact on conservation area…”

“Air pollution from increased traffic and parents/ carers leaving their car engines running. Summary of grounds for support: • Good quality of existing nursery • Expansion would meet need for children’s day nursery places • Positive impact on footfall • Access to safe parking for drop off and pick up. Consultees 6.1 Transportation – require provision of on-site cycle storage and a school travel plan.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of City Planning outlined the report, and an individual addressed the committee in support of the application.

What members debated

Members raised concerns about possible breaches of the neighbourhood plan and the loss of a retail unit; officers said the proposal was legal and reasonable.

“The report was considered by Committee, and concerns were raised regarding breaches of the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan (TNP) and the loss of a retail unit.”

“The Head of Planning responded to concerns raised and stated the following: • Each application must be considered on its own merit in accordance with national guidelines. • The proposals were both legal and reasonable. • The benefits of the scheme outweighed the loss of the retail unit.”

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to follow the report’s recommendations was moved and seconded before the committee resolved to grant permission.

“Councillor Butt moved the recommendations within the report. Councillor Russell seconded the recommendations.”

“Resolved: That Planning Application 25/00005/FUL be granted subject to any necessary conditions including: • Hours of opening • Sound insulation • School travel plan • Cycle storage.”

Minutes