Inverness children’s nursery plan given go ahead by Highland Council despite objections from neighbours

Contentious plans to change a former Inverness care home into a children’s nursery have been given the go-ahead.

Proposals to transform the former Elmgrove House nursing home in Ballifeary Road to provide day care for children up to five years old prompted a row between between neighbouring residents and working parents.

Highland Council planning officers have now approved the application, saying it will provide a much-needed facility in the immediate area.

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The application, submitted by Wee Buttons Childcare, also includes a manager’s flat.

There will also be 13 car parking spaces, a drop off zone in front of the building and a space suitable for disabled drivers.

The building has has lain empty for five years since Elmgrove House nursing home was closed by court order for posing a “serious risk” to the well-being of 25 elderly residents.

The application to turn it into a nursery sparked objections from nearby residents, including the owners of nearby guest houses, as well as support.

Objectors said the nursery would detract from the character of the neighbourhood comprising predominantly residential and tourist accommodation.

Concerns were also raised about the increased noise from traffic and outdoor play, the negative financial impact on neighbouring self-catering properties and guest houses, overspill street parking and environment issues.

Supporters, including working parents, cited the lack of childcare places in the area plus the risk of vandalism if the building continued to remain empty.

In granting planning permission, the planners’ report stated: “The proposal will introduce a new educational use to the building, changing it from a care home.

“This use will provide a much-needed facility in the immediate area, catering for those living nearby, but also offering an alternative location to working families currently travelling into Inverness.

“The nature of the facility is such that it will be used primarily during normal daytime working hours, and as such any noise will not significantly impact on accommodation providers for whom quiet time during the evenings and overnight is important.

“While there will be some additional traffic, there will also be a significant opportunity for families to walk with children to the nursery, potentially also reducing car-trips in the area.”

The report added that the site was within the city’s settlement development area where there was a general presumption in favour of development, and where it was recognised that there were a range of land uses including residential, commercial offices, and commercial/tourist accommodation.

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