Plans to turn the Henry Jackson Centre in Pinner into a nursery for up to 60 children have been approved by Harrow Council.
The building at 5 Cecil Park is currently used as a youth hall in association with Pinner Synagogue. The approved application will allow it to operate as an independent nursery. Planning permission was granted on 24 September.
The venue is located next to the rear entrance of Pinner station, on a route that is often used by drivers as a cut-through to Marsh Road during rush hour.
Nursery could create 14 jobs
Documents submitted with the application say the nursery would cater for up to 60 children aged between six months and five years.
It is expected to create 14 full-time jobs and operate during weekdays. The applicant said most children attending are expected to live locally or within walking distance of the site.
The plans do not involve major changes to the building itself. A new covered cycle shelter for 10 bikes is proposed, along with storage for buggies and scooters.
Residents raised traffic concerns
Two objections were received from local residents, with concerns focused mainly on traffic, congestion and parking around Cecil Park.
One resident highlighted the existing traffic generated by the nearby station, schools and other facilities, while another raised concerns about congestion during school drop-off and collection times.
Council highways officers initially asked for more information about how staff and children would travel to the nursery. The council later concluded that the submitted Travel Plan provided sufficient measures to manage arrivals and departures, and the highways officer raised no objection.
There will be no general on-site parking, although one existing space will be retained for disabled staff and essential operational requirements.
Conditions attached to approval
The council has limited the nursery to a maximum of 60 children at any one time.
The permitted operating hours are between 7:30am and 7pm Monday to Friday, with no operation on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Outdoor play will also be restricted to between 9:30am and midday and 1pm to 5pm on weekdays to help protect neighbouring residents from noise.
A Travel Plan must be implemented, while the approved cycle, buggy and scooter storage must be provided before the nursery opens.
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