Controversial nursery bid rejected by councillors

At a meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, members decided not to grant permission to change a four-bedroom house in Imperial Road, Matlock, into a children’s day nursery.

Despite officer recommendation to approve the bid, the majority of councillors felt that the site was not suitable for a nursery, that it would have a negative impact on the road – both with noise and appearance.

Councillors also felt that, despite assurances from the developer that parents would be encouraged to use public transport, that it was unrealistic to expect this and that parking would become a problem.

There were also fears surrounding children’s safety on the road and concerns that – at a time when houses were in short supply – it would be foolish to set a potentially negative precedent.

Residents in the area were strongly opposed to the bid, as were Matlock Town Council who did not support the plan.