House to be built next to Sheffield pre-school after councillors give plans the go-ahead

Mount View pre-school and the Methodist church were both concerned about the construction of the three-bedroomed house on Mount View Avenue in Norton Lees.

Tina Sheedy told councillors the pre-school was established over 40 years ago. “We have 83 objections and the community is strongly behind us.

“A major concern is the safeguarding of children because this is in very close proximity to our outdoor playground.

“Our outdoor curriculum is a major part of our children’s learning and there is currently scrubland to screen noise and pollution.

“Construction work would bring considerable disruption, an increase in traffic with lorry deliveries, building dust and an increase in congestion and air pollution.

“Children’s safety and welfare is paramount..the security of the building site needs to be carefully thought through with skips, rubbish and vehicle movements and we would like all workers to have DBS checks.”

John Parkinson, from neighbouring Mount View church, said people using its rooms would also be affected.

“I’m concerned about the health and safety of people at guides, fitness groups, coffee mornings and church congregation.”

Developers said the pre-school had encouraged parents to object and the concerns had been “overstated”.

A spokesman said: “There will be no impact with overshadowing and the windows were designed to avoid overlooking the playground.”

Councillors approved the house but imposed a construction management plan and asked developers to work with the pre-school to limit disruption and try to work during school holidays.