Little Sprouts Nursery of Sheringham finds new home in nearby village after battles over noise complaints
Child carer Lucy Allen with twins, Holly, left, and Tessa Cartwright, at Little Sprouts nursery in Aylmerton. Picture: Stuart Anderson - Credit: Archant
She had been told her child-minding centre produced too much noise, and was almost forced to close it down.
Becky Garratt, far right, with staff and youngsters at Little Sprouts nursery in Aylmerton. Picture: Stuart Anderson - Credit: Archant
But after a long search, Sheringham's Becky Garratt has finally found a place her Little Sprouts Nursery can thrive.
Mrs Garratt's business - which currently looks after about 40 children Monday to Friday - has moved into the village hall at Aylmerton, between Cromer and Sheringham.
She said: 'I had a big, long battle trying to find somewhere. The people at the hall have ben absolutely brilliant and welcomed us with open arms.
'The space that we've got here is really good.'
Becky Garratt with youngsters at the new Little Sprouts nursery in Aylmerton. Picture: Stuart Anderson - Credit: Archant
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Mrs Garratt has been running Little Sprouts for about 10 years. It was based at her home in Seaview Crescent, Sheringham, but following complaints from neighbours in 2016 about noise and behaviour, North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) gave her temporary planning permission to continue for one year on a trial basis.
She then cast around for a new venue, and hoped to move to Sheringham's Scout hut in De Morley Garth. But after dozens of complaints from nearby residents, the Scouts chose not to support the bid and Mrs Garrett was forced to withdraw her application.
MORE: Sheringham nursery set to Sprout up in new home after noise complaints (but now the new neighbours fear 'mayhem')Mrs Garratt said: 'I paid over £600 for the planning application, but then a lot of the residents down there complained and the committee had to say they were against it as well.
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'I had to withdraw it - I had no other option really.'
Child carer Julie Dawson with three-year-old Annabel Dunne at Little Sprouts nursery in Aylmerton. Picture: Stuart Anderson - Credit: Archant
She had also asked if Sheringham Community Centre could host the nursery, but was told there was not enough availability.
Mrs Garratt said that although, in some respects, it would have been better if she could have found a venue in Sheringham itself, she was delighted the nursery could continue close by.
She said there was still a strong demand for child-care services in the area.
Mrs Garratt said: 'This is something that the community really needs because a lot of mums have to work now.'
She said the nursery had a team of six, and was hoping to expand.
'There is scope for us to employ more,' she added.
The nursery cares for children aged from birth to five years old between 7.30am and 5.30pm.
For more information, visit www.sheringhamlittlesprouts.co.uk
