York nursery plans to expand blocked by council over noise

York Council planning officers have refused Tiddlywinks Nursery’s application to convert a bungalow in Osbaldwick Village so it can increase the number of spaces by 15 to 73.

The nursery’s plans stated it was an important community resource, looked after local children and provided them with a safe environment where they could build their confidence.

But objectors including the local ward councillor and the council’s public protection team called for the plans to be blocked because of the impact of noise on neighbouring homes.

Council planning officers stated complaints against the nursery were already being investigated and extending it to bring in more children would likely make the noise worse.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Refusal of the plans follows several attempts by the nursery to convert the bungalow since 2023, with an application refused in 2024 prior to the latest bid.

Applications to extend the existing nursery, which is in an old school house, and to construct a new building were also refused prior to the bungalow plans.

The nursery first opened in 2004.

The latest plans would have seen changes made to the bungalow including building a new porch and converting its garage into an office and staff room.

Children aged between nine months and two years would have used the building and the number of staff onsite at any given time would have increased to 17.

The plans are the latest in attempt by the nursery to expand (Image: Supplied)

A separate but related application also applied to allow the nursery to use the bungalow’s garden as an outdoor ‘forest school’ twice a day for an hour a time.

The nursery’s plans stated it had twice been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and the expansion would help meet the demand for extra places in York.

Plans stated: “This expansion is in accordance with the well-established and ongoing need for additional nursery places in York.

“This is demonstrated by the applicant’s extensive waiting list which has grown following the recent Government childcare reforms.

“The works will enhance the appearance and functionality of the bungalow without causing harm.”

But 40 objections from 15 people were lodged against the plans, including Osbaldwick and Derwent’s Restore UK councillor Mark Warters and the local parish council.

They claimed it would make existing noise problems worse and disturb neighbouring residents in their gardens and raised concerns about traffic attracted by the increase in places.

Council public protection officers stated the nursery’s application had not provided enough information to show that noise would not be an issue.

Officials said: “Public Protection are still investigating complaints about noise from the current activities at the nursery.

“This proposal for additional children and an additional external play area will increase noise levels.”