THE operators of a day nursery in Stanford-le-Hope have lost an appeal to the planning inspectorate after Thurrock Council rejected plans to expand the business, which is based at a private home, to take up to 20 children.

The refusal came in March last year when the concerns of neighbours and opposition from local councillors proved decisive in a planning committee decision that went against the owners of the Rose Buddies nursery on Branksome Avenue.

The owners had been told to make an application after operating the nursery without authorisation and reacted with disappointment after the decision was made.

Applicant Vicki Jarosz, spoke to Thurrock Nub News to say: "I have been an Ofsted-registered childminder since 2017 and since seeing the increased demand for childcare due to new housing developments in the area I wanted to be able to expand my setting to be able to welcome more children through a Childcare on Domestic Premises registration.

"I am deeply saddened that this has been refused after working with the requests from the council over the past few months.

"We have some amazing childminders in Stanford-le-Hope and I am proud to work alongside so many people offering high quality childcare."

That disappointment then manifested itself into an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate but, despite winning some minor amendments to the council's ruling, it has been lost.

The council now has to give notice of the decision to the nursery who will have three months to comply with the decision or face further enforcement action.

A planning statement says: "The site owner is aware of the notice and the compliance period. We will be working with the owner so that the compliance period is observed.

"But is should be noted that there may be the opportunity for the site owner to operate a significantly smaller childminding use that from the dwelling which does not require planning permission.

"Now we are in receipt of the appeal decision we will be reviewing this with the legal services team so that the site owner, neighbours and members have clarity on the matter, as this has caused some concern with nearby residents."