David McKay
Controversial plans to partially convert a residential property in Aberdeen’s west end into a nursery have been recommended for approval by city council officials.
Olga Sevastyanova, of Sunny Garden Childminding, has applied for permission for a change of use for the house at 27 Whitehall Terrace.
However, the proposal has met strong opposition from a number of neighbouring residents, as well as the local community council.
In total, 36 letters of representation were received by authority planners, 35 against and one in support.
The proposal is for a “mixed-use” of the property, partly for a childminding service for up to 10 youngsters from Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm. There is already a smaller operation in place at the address, however.
The city council, as planning authority, takes the view that a childminding service of seven or more children requires a change of use application.
The authority’s roads department has not objected to the application, saying that it would not attract a large number of extra vehicles above existing levels.
A submission from the team adds that the local pay and display parking zone would be able to accommodate pick-ups and drop-offs.
Officials have warned, however, that the applicant must ensure that there is no illegal parking.
The local community council claims the scheme would be “detrimental” to the area, and has raised safety concerns about parking and access to the rear of the property.
Letters from residents also raise fears about noise, and the potential for a precedent to be set that would “open floodgates” for further businesses to operate in the area.
In a report to councillors, head of planning Margaret Bochel said childminders were “commonplace” in residential areas of the city.
She added that the council had noticed an increase in demand for childcare following the closure of the Hamilton Nursery School earlier this year.
“Though there may be some impact on the amenity of the neighbours attached to the dwelling, this would not warrant a refusal of the proposals on the basis that there is an existing childminding operation from the dwelling that operates and the addition of four children is unlikely to have a significant increase in noise and disturbance,” Ms Bochel adds.
The application will be considered at a meeting of the planning development management committee meets on Thursday.