PLANS to extend an outside play area at a nursery in Cowling were given the go-ahead this week despite meeting with strong objections from neighbours.

The owners of Small Ways nursery, Dick Lane, had their application to build a garage and use part of their land as a children's play area discussed by members of Craven District Council's planning committee.

Despite the highways authority raising no objections to the plans and the council's planning officers recommending the application for approval, several neighbours raised concerns.

One local resident, who lives nearby at Craven Court, commented: "Our whole lives have been taken over by this business. We were the first to move into Craven Court some 17 years ago when Small Ways was still a barn. We moved here into the countryside for the peace and tranquillity and loved living here.

"Over the years we have found ourselves in a nightmare situation with the nursery extending and with a steady flow of cars and constantly banging doors, revving engines, emitting exhaust fumes and the incessant noise of children playing and parents shouting and calling to each other from early morning to tea time."

Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the erection of "unsightly play equipment" and residents complained about the potential noise pollution from children playing outside.

Members of Cowling Parish Council added that they were concerned about the access on to Dick Lane and any noise caused through weekend parties.

Other concerns raised in-cluded the new garage meaning less parking space for those using the nursery on the site, which could lead to parking in the lane and reversing in resident' drives.

However, the nursery's owners said they had done everything in their power to alleviate any grievances with local residents.

They said: "The purchase of the land has increased parking and available turning space. In addition, the installation of CCTV, constant monitoring and written instruction in correspondence to parents, the turning has stopped in Craven Court, however we cannot oversee other road users who take this opportunity."

And at the meeting, Coun Richard Welch said: "I take objection to some of the comments such as 'unsightly play equipment'. Some of the objections I find distasteful to say the least."

However, Coun Stephen Place said that although he loved children, that "children's voices raised in fun could be an irritant to people nearby".

Members voted to get rid of a condition to put time restrictions on children playing out, except for at weekends.

But, they did put a condition on the plans that a fence be erected two metres to the rear of Craven Court and a small fence with gate for access was erected to separate the playground from the car park.