NEIGHBOURS of a proposed day nursery for 42 children will face an unacceptable level of noise if the application succeeds. That s the view of Carol Larkin, a planning officer with Fenland District Council,. who is supporting the neighbours opposition t

NEIGHBOURS of a proposed day nursery for 42 children will face "an unacceptable level of noise" if the application succeeds.

That's the view of Carol Larkin, a planning officer with Fenland District Council,. who is supporting the neighbours' opposition to the project.

Although March Town Council backed the change of use for the former old folks' home in The Causeway, March, Fenland planners will be asked to turn it down on the grounds of noise and the likelihood of "general disturbance."

Ms Larkin will advise next Wednesday's planning committee that "officers have considered the view of local residents and share concerns that there would be a detrimental impact on residential amenity."

Seven letters of objection have been received by the committee claiming the nursery would increase traffic, is inappropriately located and that there is insufficient demand for a day nursery.

The former old folks' home, at 12 The Causeway, closed 10 years ago and planners say it is "prudent to consider the noise and disturbance issues" when comparing both uses.

As well as caring for 42 children under the age of five, the nursery would employ eight staff and be open from 7am to 7pm daily.

Ms Larkin will tell the committee that a nursery "would significantly intensify noise-related issues and would be distinctly different from a residential care home".

But she says that while officers are concerned about the lack of on-site parking and manoeuvring of cars, this is not a reason to object.

The county council had raised no objections and "in view of this, officers have not recommended the application for refusal on this ground.