Contested nursery gets green light

A new Early Learning Centre in Wishaw has officially been given the go ahead by councillors.

The site, between Grange Avenue and Carbarns in Netherton, has been given the green light following a meeting of the council’s planning committee last Thursday.

The new centre is one of nine new build facilities being constructed as part of the council’s Early Years Expansion Programme.

However, the proposals have drawn the ire of several local residents.

The council planning document states: “The proposed nursery is to provide 40 full time equivalent nursery provision for three to five year olds with nine new members of staff.

“There is to be a total of 17 car parking spaces proposed. Barriers are to be installed on both entrances to the car park.”

A total of 29 people submitted their thoughts on the application with the vast majority being against the plans. This also included a petition with 217 signatures.

One of those objectors, Alan Jack, said: “The addition of an early learning centre to Netherton will be a valuable resource for the community. Unfortunately the site chosen is to the severe detriment of the local area and will result in a number of safety concerns for local residents.

“The site contradicts the purpose of the site selection criteria stated in the documentation.

“Old Manse Road and Grange Avenue lack adequate off street parking and consequently most residents park on the street. This results in both roads essentially becoming single lane at times.

“An increase in traffic on these roads will result in further congestion even before the additional traffic due to the three phases of development at Old Manse Road are considered.”

Other concerns included the loss of mature trees from the area.