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An Aldridge nursery hoping to more than double its capacity has been told to submit better plans. Middleton Daycare on Station Road submitted part retrospective plans for a single storey extension to Walsall Council in order to increase its numbers from 35 to 75. READ MORE: First look at new Midlands railway stations as construction nears completion But incorrect drawings and an insufficient travel plan caused planning officers at the authority to recommend a refusal. It was brought before members of the planning committee on Thursday October 30 by Councillor Pardeep Kaur, portfolio holder for housing support and resident access. Speaking in favour of the application was Daniel Tanner, partner of applicant Emily Carter. Members queried whether the 13 existing car parking spaces on the site were sufficient if the facility more than doubled its operation. Mr Tanner assured members that unlike a school, parents collect their children throughout the day, and Middleton Daycare operates a policy where only two parents can be on site at any one time. He also said it was in the company’s best interest to provide sufficient parking and be a reputable nursery in the community, and that most parents walk to drop their children off. My Tanner was also adamant that the car park is ‘never full’, similar to another nursery in the company which has 64 spaces for children but only six parking bays. As well as incorrect plans, the application had incorrect numbers for proposed staffing figures. Chairman Councillor Mike Bird proposed that the committee defer the decision for officer delegation once correct plans have been submitted, as well as a satisfactory travel plan, to which members voted in favour of. Councillor Bird also said there may be an opportunity to utilise the green space on adjacent Pool Green for third party parking.
