A town nursery has submitted plans to build two new buildings.

Applicant Grow Learn Play Project CIC wants the pre-fabricated buildings at East Street Day Nursery in Calder Close in Banbury. 

The plan is for one of the buildings to be used as a small breakout space for children with special educational needs and the other to be used by families for parent and toddler groups.

Banbury Town Council's planning committee raised no objections to the proposals. 

Householder Sarah Chappell, of Grimsbury Drive, had concerns about the locations of the new buildings. 

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East Street Day Nursery plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) In a comment to Cherwell District Council's planning officers, she said: “The plans show that the proposed buildings will be very close to the rear of my property boundary.

“I have several mature trees in my garden. Can you assure me that any foundation work will not damage the root systems of my trees?”

The nursery currently has 73 children registered.

The facility also accommodates community groups within the main building, attracting 15 to 20 families for parent and toddler groups.

In the application's planning statement, it said: “As with many existing education facilities nationally, the available space at the East Street Centre is constrained and the accommodation is outdated.

"Currently, the community groups occupy the main building, taking up floorspace that could be better used for early years activities. 

“In addition, there is a need for additional floorspace to meet the specific requirements of children with special educational needs (SEN).

"Breaks throughout the day are important for children with SEN to provide them with periods of time away from stressful demands.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby