A PEMBROKESHIRE nursery which received a council grant for a covered play area has been given the go-ahead by planners to be allowed keep it; the applicants not realising it needed official permission to build.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Victoria Christie sought retrospective permission for a covered external play area, built last year, at ABC Pre-School Nursery, Castle High, Haverfordwest.
A supporting statement through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services said: “Children are always supervised. Prior to the erection of the timber structure as a covering to part of the play area, this area was open and its use weather dependant. It is understood that current guidelines are that covered play areas should be provided to cater for children’s needs.
“The applicant had erected the timber structure with grant assistance from Pembrokeshire County Council but had not appreciated that planning permission was required.”
It added the timber covered area allowed children a chance “to play in a safe and secure environment and enjoy some of messier play experiences in a covered area”.
It finished: “The proposed development is considered to comply with all relevant Local Development Plan policies. The granting of consent will allow the nursery to fulfil its obligations in terms of childcare guidance and will continue to enhance the experience for children using the facility. It has been demonstrated that no adverse issues are raised by this proposal, and it is policy compliant.”
An officer report, recommending conditional approval, said: “The siting of the covered play area has benefited the economy by providing work within the construction industry and generate income for materials suppliers and distributors,” adding: “There are no adverse environmental impacts associated with the siting of the covered play area”.
It went on to say: “Whilst the pre-school grounds lie adjacent to existing residential development, the covered play area is located 11.6 metres external wall to external wall, from any residential dwelling.
“As such, there is no detrimental impact on the privacy or amenity of neighbouring properties,” finishing: “It is considered that the application would comply with the policies of the Pembrokeshire Local Development Plan and that planning permission shall be granted.”
