CleverClogs Nursery and Preschool in Cringleford expanding

Under the plans, CleverClogs Nursery and Preschool branch in Dereham Road will construct an additional building at its site.

This will enable the Costessey nursery to increase the number of children from 48 to 96, with up to 20 allowed to play outside at any one time.

CleverClogs has a branch in Dereham Road in Costessey (Image: Google) A document produced by the nursery and submitted to South Norfolk Council said: "We currently have ample space under Ofsted guidance and indeed the proposed new building would allow more than this number.

"We have a substantial waiting list of children whose parents are seeking to utilise the government’s allocation of free funded childcare hours but with childminders halving nationally and many nurseries closing due to unsustainability, they cannot find adequate provision within the county.

"Local parents did hope that childcare provision would be incorporated into the new local housing developments but this did not materialise, thus leaving a gap in the market."

The nursery first opened in Costessey in 2018 (Image: Google) There was an objection lodged to the plans after they first emerged in February.

A neighbour to the nursery said: "I understand children make noise and accept that but there is often excessive noise (screaming, repetitive words being shouted) when the children are outdoors.

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"This causes a significant disruption to my day when the children are outside, including impacting working from home."

However, a noise impact assessment was undertaken at the site in May which determined that, while there will be some increase in noise due to the growth in numbers indoors, it won't have a "significantly detrimental impact" on the surrounding homes.

According to South Norfolk Council's decision, the nursery will need to expand by December 11, 2025, to be within planning permission.