Little joy as Thatcham nursery plans thrown out

Concerns over road safety and loss of office space

A NURSERY provider looking to open in Thatcham will have to go back to the drawing board after West Berkshire Council threw its plans out.

Little Me Day Nurseries had sought to convert the former Wagtech offices in Station Road. It also sought to extend the garden area to create an educational environment for the children.

The Basingstoke-based company said that 20 jobs would be created through the nursery, which it said there was a strong demand for in the town.

Little Me said that this garden would generate less noise than the former offices; and that its staggered operating times would “significantly reduce the car parking stress at any one time”.

Both of these statements contrasted with views of nearby residents who objected to the application.

West Berkshire Council agreed with the residents, saying that the lack of parking at the site would result in on-street parking and reversing in Nideggen Close and “would be to the detriment of highway and pedestrian safety in the vicinity”.

Council planners also said that insufficient information had been provided to demonstrate that the loss of the office would not impact the overall supply in the town centre. Or, indeed, that the nursery would maintain the existing town centre vitality.

Thatcham Town Council objected to the proposal over the vagueness of the application, owing to a lack of information as to how many children Little Me would be caring for at the site.

The town council also objected over the car parking situation.

Tigers Too Day Nursery, situated yards away from the Wagtech building, also objected.