PLANNING permission for a nursery in Old Harlow has been approved by the Harlow Council planning committee.

The application related to a single storey building on 7 Garden Terrace Road. The building was used by the Old Harlow Launderette and Dry Cleaners until recently.

Statements for and against the application were read out at the meeting.

The application was approved.

The application can be seen from the 54th minute of the film below.

Further

A local resident has contacted us and said they would have made a statement but the letter from the council inviting them to speak on October 14th arrived on October 19th.

From local residents:

I would urge the council to carefully consider the detrimental impact on the local area of the redevelopment of the laundrette. It is widely recognised that there is a need for more childcare provision and the idea that the children would have access to an outdoor space is wonderful. However, I must encourage councillors who are not familiar with the area to visit for themselves.

The area in question as a small, unkempt, unrestricted parking area which is the cause of much hostility between residents and the business owner. Despite repeated claims, the residents have made no attempt to declare the small parking area as being rightfully theirs. Local residents would instead like to seek an agreement which is based on common sense and consideration of others to solve the current parking situation.

It is a regular occurrence that staff working for the childcare provision will double park each other, blocking in car users, or blocking out car users. It is a regular occurrence that parents dropping off and collecting their children park inappropriately: either double-parked, parked on double yellow lines, or by leaving their cars in the middle of the highway. I have attached some images which demonstrate this.

I am also aware that staff have been issued with the permits to park in the nearby pay and display car park. This is good news, as it means staff parking there all day in business hours can allow other road users to park close to their homes in a more secure environment. However, many staff do not use this facility and continue to park inappropriately.

With the proposed removal of the business permit parking provision at the rear (west) of Jenner House, the parking issues here are going to be exacerbated. As I have mentioned, I am not against the proposed development, but would urge the council to consider to difficulties this would cause with regards to parking. I understand this may seem trivial to many councillors who can perhaps benefit from parking on their own drive-way or close to their own property, but that is simply not a luxury that all Harlow residents can afford. The last thing many of us need after a day at work, many of us as key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the added stress and anxiety of finding a parking space and potentially running into conflict with hostile and aggressive staff and parents. The owners has stated in public documents that she is happy to work with residents, however this is untrue and has not materialised.

“Once again, I would urge the council to carefully consider what solutions and provisions they can offer to appease all members of the community”.

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Comments

Linda Reynolds

As the owner and manager of Home from Home Childcarers, I am delighted that planning permission has finally been granted, and can’t wait for building works to begin on the redundant launderette. 
I am excited that we will be able to offer more childcare places when the work is finalised as there is such a high demand in the local area for high quality childcare. It will also provide a garden area for the children to access all year round  
As stated several times during this process, I am more than happy to work with the local residents to consider their parking concerns and work together to discuss them. I have written to the individuals concerned giving my contact details so we can make arrangements if needed.