Lutton childminder gets expansion plan approved by South Holland District Council despite noise worries and 'neighbour dispute'
Councillors defied planning officers after learning of a ‘neighbourly dispute’ involving a village childminder.
Lutton man Mark Ludlam had applied to incorporate a childcare business into a residence at School Lane, but planning officers recommended he only be granted a year-long license before being reviewed.
However, district councillors slammed that suggestion - saying the area is in dire need of more facilities for children - and passed Mr Ludlam’s plans without any time restrictions.
That came after the applicant had spoken to last Wednesday’s planning committee meeting, claiming that the only opposition to his proposal had come via a neighbour who has 'connections' to another childminding business within two miles of his.
The neighbour had reportedly questioned whether the noise created by 16 children - which the application had asked to cater for - would be manageable.
Coun David Wilkinson said: “I find it disappointing that what is basically a neighbour dispute has influenced a planning decision.
“To give them a year’s license is just really unfair on them.”
However, planning officers were quick to point out that councillors should not label it a ‘neighbour dispute’ - and that it should not have any influence on a planning decision.
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones was critical of the officers’ original recommendation, saying it would make the childminding business ‘unviable from day one’.
He made the original suggestion to alter the committee’s decision, and was backed by all members aside from Coun Christopher Brewis.
Coun Brewis told chairman Coun James Avery: “This is going to come back to haunt you Mr Chairman.”
He added: “I think officers have got it spot on”.
The majority of others in attendance voiced their support for the childminder.
Coun Jane King said: “We are woefully short of childcare. Let this business do what it is supposed to do, which is letting children enjoy themselves in a safe and happy environment.”
Coun Paul Redgate added: “Having one year does not help anyone.
“My children have gone to places like this, they are essential.”
The childminding business at 2 School Lane will now be able to cater for up to 16 children between 7am and 6pm from Monday-Friday.
There will be four members of staff at any one time, with three of them family members already residing at the property and at 4 School Lane.
Mr Ludlam currently runs a childminding business at number 4, but this will now cease. He required more space to run the business.