Childminders clash over expansion plans
A small group of Downfield residents have pledged to fight a proposal to more than double the capacity of a childminding business.
- By Craig McManamon
- Published in the Courier : 22.02.12
- Published online : 22.02.12 @ 03.14pm
It follows a move by the boss of Aberfoyle Childcare Services to lodge an appeal against the council's decision to refuse permission for an increase in child places from 12 to 25.
The childcare provider on Strathmartine Road said demand from parents had driven its desire to expand. However, it is unlikely Jan Brown, the owner of Aberfoyle, will be given a ruling on the matter from the Scottish Government Directorate for Planning and Appeals until at least May.
In the meantime objector and neighbour Wilma McGregor — who also offers childcare services from her home — says she will fight ''tooth and nail'' to block the increase.
She said Mrs Brown was a good businesswoman, but said her plan for expansion was inappropriate and would cause traffic problems on the busy thoroughfare.
''I am not against people trying to succeed in business,'' said Mrs McGregor. ''I am hoping that by writing letters out to the neighbouring residents they will be motivated to object.
''The noise of the children as it is and the problems with parking would just be made worse.''
Mrs McGregor has written and hand delivered hundreds of letters to residents in a bid to drum up more objections.
Other neighbouring homeowners have voiced their upset at the plan.
However, there has also been strong support according to Jane Fox, agent for Aberfoyle Childcare Services, who claims there are far more people in favour of the expansion than against it.
She also confirmed that a separate application is now with the council, which has sought approval to increase the number of children to 18 if the appeal fails.
''There is a huge demand for the high quality of care that this service offers,'' she said. ''Jan has won lots of awards and is well respected by parents. Whilst there has been opposition there has been a lot more in favour of the expansion."
The city council's development management committee initially turned down the application to increase capacity from 12 to 25 late last year.
Elected members said that a lack of sufficient off-street parking and the scale of the plan was deemed to be excessive for the area.
10.09am - 23.02.2012 Chris P. Bacon - Dundee, uk Report This
I'm sure Wilma McGregor is really concerned about "the noise of the children" and "parking" and definitely not how much it will affect her business.
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