Overcrowding worry halts homes scheme

THE nursery is to remain as part of the housing scheme

PLANS to build 34 homes around a nursery in Sholver were put on hold again last night after councillors deferred the decision for the second time over fears the site would be overcrowded.

Domalo Nurseries has applied to build 34 homes and four apartments on land off Sholver Lane, Sholver, currently occupied by Hillside Nursery.

With the nursery staying put and the number of properties being increased by four, councillors were wary of backing the proposals.

Residents and the planning committee suggested a risk of people parking on Sholver Lane, which currently has no parking restrictions.

Councillor John Hudson said: “My concern is that the previous application had a lot more free land. What has brought about the change, other than financial gain? We are now using three quarters of the site and having extra dwellings on them. In light of the nursery staying, I expected a lower number of houses as a more sensitive way of using the land.”

Councillors deferred the decision to allow time to address the issues over limited space.