Approval for plans to increase number of children at Lutton nursery

Plans to increase the number of children from 16 to 21 at a family-run nursery have been approved - despite concerns about ‘excessive’ noise.

The nursery, on School Lane in Lutton, also seeks to put a log cabin on the site in association with the business, which is owned by Mr and Mrs Ludlam.

Councillors backed the plans at a planning committee meeting last Wednesday at South Holland District Council.

The site will remain as a childcare facility with drop-off times staggered between the hours of 7am to 9.30am and 1pm to 6pm. No extra staff are required.

The nursery is a three bedroom property which sits adjacent to the village hall and is close to Lutton St Nicholas Primary Academy.

South Holland and the Deepings MP, Sir John Hayes, wrote to the district council to raise his concerns about the potential noise impact and has objected to the application.

Mr Hayes said he’d received several complaints from his constituents living nearby about the noise from the nursery being ‘excessive’.

Jacob Bryan, planning officer at the district council, said: “Concerns were raised about the siting of the log cabin; however, it’s considered that it will create a barrier to noise and drive it away from the property.

“The opening hours are not too dissimilar to the school, and no extra staff would be required.

“There’s not considered to be any material harm to nearby residents.”

But Cllr Christopher Brewis (independent), who represents the Sutton Bridge ward, said he objected to the proposal.

He said: “You don’t have to be a member to be aware of the problems which have been caused by this application.

“I am so concerned about it that there’s absolutely no way that I shall be voting in favour of this.”

Cllr Andrew Tennent (independent), who represents Long Sutton, said he didn’t think that the increase in the number of children would have an impact on residents.

He said: “I do have family members who have childcare in Spalding and I try to keep abreast with what’s happening with it.

“There are a lot of small businesses which have been hit by the increase in minimum wage and national insurance contributions, and the question of how the Government will fund the free childcare provision.

“This is why they’re increasing the number of children they can look after. I don’t see the increase really affecting residents a great deal.

"I don’t believe that the increase in children will reduce the quality of the childcare provision that they’re receiving.”

Cllr Brewis said he was also concerned about the log cabin being included in the plans.

He added: “I do have concerns about the increase in numbers. The site has a very small garden, and the log cabin will reduce the area that the children have to play in.

“As a childcare provision, I’m not sure that it’s particularly safe for the kids.”

But Cllr Bryan Alcock (independent) questioned whether an additional five children would have a significant impact on residents.

He said: “I find this a very difficult one. I understand that there will be some disruption to neighbours but the question is will five children make a difference?”