Fight goes on

Felicity Groves said she was disappointed by the overwhelming view of Horsham district councillors that the building she had chosen was in the wrong place. "But I was heartened that many of the members of the planning committee agreed a nursery was badly needed in Steyning.

"This project is bigger than the building. I am disappointed that planning permission was refused but I have listened to what the councillors have said about the traffic concerns. Now I need another property so I can try again."

Mrs Groves said she had tried to tackle the traffic concerns by telling members she had arranged for parents' parking at other venues, including the White Horse pub car park, and would have walking bus pick-up points for children.

The building, a former language school, is on the corner of Steyning High Street and the narrow Dog Lane.

Residents of Dog Lane were concerned about the traffic impact if parents were dropping off 26 children at the nursery each day. They were also concerned about the noise caused by children's playtimes and activities.

But Vanessa Bamford said she was a supportive neighbour and a potential user of the nursery.

"I have to drive to Horsham twice a day for nursery-provision. This local resource is something my friends and myself desire and need. I believe, generally, local parents will walk to the nursery and when I've looked there has been at least five parking spaces in the High Street at the times when parents would be picking up and dropping off their children."

Steyning councillor Vivien Lyth said: "This is a totally dedicated person with good support for her project but I am afraid it is in the wrong place. We need good, committed people like Mrs Groves but I'm sorry '“ not in that building, in that location."

Councillors agreed the plan was unacceptable because of the lack of parking, potential traffic problems and noise disturbance.