Children’s nursery plan for Inverness before Highland Council sparks row between guest house owners and working parents
Plans to turn a disused care home into a children’s nursery have provoked a row between neighbouring residents and working parents.
Wee Buttons Childcare wants to transform the property at 7 Ballifeary Road to provide all year round day care for children up to five years old.
The building has lain empty for five years since Elmgrove House nursing home was closed by court order for posing a “serious risk” to the well-being of 25 elderly residents.
The change of use application before Highland Council proposes turning the two-storey, traditional sandstone villa into a nursery and manager’s flat.
It would also feature an outdoor play area, a one-way traffic system for entrance and exit and increase in parking spaces from seven to 13.
Applicants say use of the premises as a care home is no longer viable because of a lack of suitably qualified local staff and the “increasingly onerous demands” of the Care Inspectorate.
They highlight a dire need for new childcare places in Inverness to meet demand generated by new housing developments.
But the proposal has alarmed the owners of nearby guest houses, with planners receiving three written objections and five expressions of support for the project.
James Eckersley, who runs luxury accommodation at Ladies Lodge, 9 Ballifeary Road, said creating the nursery would detract from the character of the neighbourhood and bring “many negative effects” for properties and businesses.
He cited increased traffic, noise, limited overspill street parking and danger to pedestrians crossing the entrance and exit.
Those concerns were echoed by Fraser Mathieson of Ballifeary House Hotel at 10 Ballifeary Road and Neil O'Rourke of 8 Ballifeary Road, who said: “I find it very alarming that comments of support are from people who don't live or work in the same postcode, never mind the same street.”
Mr O’Rourke listed “car doors slamming, engines running, children crying at 7am” among his concerns and said extra traffic would create a “nightmare” for neighbours.
Mr Mathieson added: “While we appreciate the importance of childcare facilities, we strongly believe that the proposed location is unsuitable.
“The early operating hours, increased noise, traffic congestion, and potential safety issues would have a detrimental effect on our guest house business and the quality of life in our neighbourhood.”
Among five expressions of support, Rhiannon McVey of Redwood Avenue, Inverness said: “As a mum of three young children, I know just how difficult it can be to find good, reliable childcare.
“The two-year waiting lists at other nurseries have made it impossible for me to find a place for my children and I can't return to my work. A family-run nursery … will be a much welcome relief to working families.”
Jill Matheson of Allarburn Place, Kiltarlity was aware of staff unable to return to work from maternity leave due to lack of childcare spaces.
Kirstin Martin of Pinewood Drive, Inverness, said: “Inverness has grown in population exponentially.
“Currently you have to go on a waiting list and hope that your child will be given a place. If you are not successful, then the prospect of being able to return to work is reduced causing extreme financial stress.
“The fear (is that) the property remaining as it currently stands is a detriment to the area, encouraging vandalism”.
Joanne Imrie of Eilean Donan Road, Inverness added: “As a new mother who has just had my first child, I am already feeling the pressure of trying to secure childcare for when I return to work.
“Unfortunately, I've found it incredibly difficult to get a spot at other nurseries, which makes me extremely nervous about balancing my job and caring for my baby.
“This new nursery would be a real lifesaver for me and many other parents.”
Highland Council transport planning officials have raised concerns over visibility for motorists at the site and demanded more information from the applicants.
The authority’s planning officials will decide on the application using their delegated powers.
