Green light for new nursery plan

An application was lodged for the nursery, off Lightfoot Lane, Higher Bartle, for up to 120 children, and planning officers said the proposal should be approved.

Similar plans were turned down last June, against the advice of officers, and an appeal is pending against the rejection. The council has not defended its reason for refusing the plans.

The application had been recommended for refusal when it was first discussed last April, but was deferred for a noise assessment to be carried out, meaning yesterday was the third time it had been before the planning committee.

Yesterday’s meeting heard a petition had been received in support of the development, signed by 220 people, along with 140 letters of support.

But objectors raised fears including a lack of parking spaces, and Julie Buttle, clerk to Woodplumpton Parish Council, said: “Exactly one year ago, your officers recommended this application for refusal because it was contrary to policy. Those issues still stand.”

But agent Katie Delaney said the applicant had addressed issues raised last year.

She said the access road was to be widened, which would improve visibility and safety, and said the number of parking spaces had been increased.

She said the colour of the proposed building had also been changed, and said: “I hope members can recognise the steps we’ve made.”

The plans were approved by seven votes to two.