A NURSERY in High Croft, Blackburn, can be extended into the adjoining cottage after highways officials agreed to look at new parking restrictions on nearby roads.

The plan to enlarge Kiddiwinks Day Nursery sparked a protest by 16 neighbours.

Their call to borough councillors to veto the scheme because of potential traffic problems, led to a lengthy debate when Blackburn with Darwen planning committee considered the planning application by new owner, Claire Fox-Tristram.

She can now extend its premises in Roman Road into the adjacent Beechwood Cottages after the councillors give the proposal the green light..

Nearby resident Barbara Stazicker, representing neighbours on New Meadow Close, appeared before the committee to say there were serious concerns about existing ‘indiscriminate parking’ without two new staff members being taken on by the nursery.

She added that with 16 more children being recruited to the nursery there would be even more parents stopping to drop and pick-up their sons and daughters.

She asked for double yellow lines on Newfield Drive to be extended to prevent dangerous parking putting the lives of pedestrians crossing the road and motorists at risk because of obstructions and poor sight lines.

Phil Tristram, supporting the extension, said extra parking spaces for staff and parents would be provided as part of the proposals reducing any traffic jam or parking problems.

He said a plan to erect a new fence had been dropped and measures taken to ensure proper drainage as part of any extension.

Committee chairman Jim Smith and Tory planning spokesman Alan Cottam expressed concern about the parking problems that could be caused by increased use of the nursery.

Highways official George Bell said the committee could not require the extension of existing double yellow lines as part of the planning approval.

He promised his staff would monitor the parking and traffic situation following the enlargement of the nursery and take action if problems arose.

The cottage being used for the extension was the home of the original owner who has sold the business and buildings and moved away.