The plans, which were submitted by owner Emma Reynolds on April 30, proposed a double-storey side extension, a full roof replacement, a loft conversion, a garage conversion and a pick-up and drop-off zone.
On Monday (June 23) Havering Council released its decision to refuse planning permission.
The council said: “The proposals would likely increase parking pressure and congestion at peak times to the detriment of surrounding neighbouring amenity and the safe and free flow of traffic.”
A planning application was submitted on April 30 (Image: Google) The council also deemed the potential extension as an “incongruous development” compared to the existing building and described it as a “visually intrusive feature” in the street scene.
Ms Reynolds told the Recorder: “We are disappointed by the recent decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed extension to our nursery in the Hacton ward.
MORE NEWS: Animal sanctuary forced to close for ‘urgent and unavoidable’ repairs
“As a long-standing and trusted early years provider in the community, our sole aim is to meet the growing demand for local childcare – a need that has only increased with the completion of the new 300-home development at the St George’s Hospital site.
“We will be lodging a formal appeal against the decision, and we believe we have strong grounds to do so.”
According to documents submitted with the application, the nursery is in “urgent need of redevelopment” to address “current space limitations”.
The roof has “aged significantly” and experiences “persistent leaks, rot and material degradation”.
She added: “Our proposal is entirely in line with similar residential extensions in the area and reflects what many other nurseries in the borough have already undertaken to support their communities.
“Havering Council’s early years team has awarded us £20,000 through the Government’s Early Years Expansion Programme, specifically recognising the shortage of local places and the vital role we play in meeting that need.
“We remain committed to working constructively with the local authority and the community.
“Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality, accessible early years education for local families, many of whom currently face long waiting lists or the need to travel outside the area for childcare.
“We are grateful for the continued support from parents, residents, councillors, and our local MP, and we hope common sense will prevail during the appeal process.”
