Councillors have objected to plans for a new nursery outside Romsey because of its location on a busy road.

Romsey Town Council planning committee had concerns about parking and pedestrian safety at the site.

The application, from Graham Melton, is for two replacement dwellings, erection of children's nursery with associated access, car parking, cycle storage, landscaping and associated works at Ashfield Cottage, Southampton Road.

The council were satisfied with the two replacement dwellings, but not with the proposed 100-place nursery.

Cllr Mark Cooper said: “There is no pedestrian access at all, there are no pavements in the surrounding area. It's unacceptable for cars to be parked on the A3057. It's an appalling location. It's on an open meadow in the valley of the River Test.

“The building is totally out of sync with the local area and the general landscape. It would be very intrusive. Everyone would have to drive there and that is not sustainable.”

Cllr Claire Wise suggested that it may be more appropriate when the Ashfield development site is built.

Hampshire Chronicle: Proposed building plans, photo: Test Valley Borough Council

Cllr John Parker, committee chair, said: “We object to the nursery on the grounds that there is no justification for one in the countryside and that it is not a sustainable location given there is no safe pedestrian access. There would also be a risk of congestion at that junction.”

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Agent from Nova Planning Jacob Goodenough said: “The proposal represents a significant investment in the local area. It will create jobs for local people initially in construction and later for up to 30 nursery staff once operational.

“The proposal also makes an important contribution to early years education locally, where there is a substantial unmet need with existing operators at capacity and with substantial waiting lists.

“The proposals is for a sustainable and purpose built children’s nursery on a well contained, secure site in an attractive rural setting. It is located on a key commuting corridor between Romsey and Southampton for convenient drop off and collection for busy parents, which in turn supports the wider economy of the region.

“The proposals offer extensive social and economic benefits for the local area.”

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Kimberley Barber