Sutton Council has approved plans to build a single storey day nursery and play scheme at St Helier hospital.  The application was similar to a previous application which was withdrawn after concerns were expressed about the impact on the biodiversity of the site.  An application for a slightly smaller nursery was approved in 2013, but not proceeded with.  Council officers are satisfied that the biodiversity concerns have now been addressed.

When it is operational, access to the nursery (apart from emergency access) will only be through the hospital site.  However vehicle access during construction (planned to take 28 weeks) will be through Rosewood Grove, via Rosehill Park West.  Construction hours would be between 8am and 6pm weekdays and 8am and 1pm Saturdays, with no work on Sundays or public holidays.

We had expressed our concern at the impact of construction traffic on Rose Hill Park West and Grennell Road.  Consequently, a condition of the planning consent is that a Construction Logistics Statement is submitted and approved, which will cover these issues.  A further condition is that the nursery shall not be occupied until the existing access from the site to Rosewood Grove has been closed and shall not be used for access to the site unless it is for emergency purposes only.

The hospital has committed to further consultation with residents on the details of the construction plan.

We will continue to keep you informed of planning applications and other issues in your area.

Ruth, Marlene and Steve