Controversial nursery car park extension is approved

Improvements to Victoria Park nursery to go-ahead despite residents' concerns over illegal parking

IMPROVEMENTS to Victoria Park Nursery in Newbury will go-ahead after a successful meeting between the nursery's management and concerned local residents.

Victoria Park Nursery School submitted a planning application to extend and improve its car park, and build of a 3.4 metre timber play tower and beach area in its playground to West Berkshire Council in September.

The nursery has said that improvements will provide a better quality learning and recreational environment for the school's children and a more ordered, safer and attractive environment for people using the car park to access the school and children's centre.

However, local residents, already angry at illegal parking at the site, argued that a larger car park would result in more traffic and illegal parking in Victoria Park and would also restrict access to St Mary's Place.

The nursery, which has been at the site for 22 years and employs 30 members of staff who look after 100 children, met with residents ahead of the planning application being discussed by the district council's Western Area Planning Committee on Thursday.

Headteacher of the nursery, Fiona Bridger-Wilkinson told the committee the meeting had resolved residents concerns.

She added: “Most of our staff walk, cycle, use public transport or park of site.

“We've been working towards refurbishing out outdoor area for some years. It's become worn and tires after more than 20 years of use.

“We need to be able to serve our families, particularly those most vulnerable, as best we can.”

The council received 13 letters of objection and four letters in support of the application, which was unanimously approved by councillors at Thursday's meeting.

For more on these planning applications, read Thursday's Newbury Weekly News.