Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan

65A Day Nurseries and Creches

Planning permission for day nurseries and creches, involving new building or changes of use, will not be granted unless the following criteria are complied with:

  • there is no materially adverse impact on the character of an area. Any loss of residential accommodation will be assessed against Policy 10. Where changes of use are concerned within residential areas, a temporary planning permission may be granted in order to establish whether or not the use is acceptable;
  • there is no materially adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties in terms of:
    • the scale of the proposal;
    • the relationship of buildings and play areas to adjoining properties;
    • noise and disturbance.

Conditions will normally be applied to planning permissions granted, limiting the maximum number of children on site at any one time, the number permitted outside at any one time, hours of operation and use of the premises;

  • car parking shall normally comply with Policy 39, which requires sufficient parking for the proposed use. Sufficient off-street parking for staff will normally be required and residents’ parking must comply with Policy 40 and be independent of staff parking;
  • provision shall be made for the setting down and picking up of children in a safe and acceptable manner;
  • the location of nursery developments in close proximity to each other will not normally be permitted, in order that the cumulative effect of these uses does not harm the character and amenity of the surrounding area or cause problems of traffic or highway safety.

For more information please see the Local Plan