Nursery plan defended

PLANS for a controversial nursery - approved following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate - have been defended by a planning consultant involved in the appeal.

Springhead householders and ward councillors were up in arms after the 30-place nursery at the site of the former Den Lane garage was given the go ahead.

Oldham Council planners had refused the application last March because of inadequate dropping-off and picking-up facilities, and in September, 2010, on highway-safety grounds.

Residents and councillors feared the new development was an “accident waiting to happen” and the planning inspectorate had made the wrong decision.

But Alan Chorlton, a planning consultant who dealt with the appeal for his client Mr M Slicker, has defended the decision.

Mr Chorlton said the area will be improved by the new development, and it will also benefit the local community. He added that the appeal inspector had fully considered both the application and objections before granting approval.

“The proposed day nursery would provide a good community use for a prominent site that is in poor condition,” he added.

“It is expected that a high proportion of the children will come from the surrounding area.

“This part of Den Lane will be improved with the provision of a footpath and road markings which will be of benefit to existing residents as well as the nursery.

“The appeal inspector fully considered the merits of the scheme, and the objections to it, and visited the site before upholding the appeal.”