Plans for Controversial Nursery in Ollerton Withdrawn Amid Objections
UPDATE: Plans to convert a former place of worship into a nursery in Ollerton have been officially withdrawn after attracting a flood of objections from local residents. The application to transform the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Bescar Lane was submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council in September 2025 and has faced overwhelming pushback, leading to its withdrawal on December 17, 2025.
The proposed nursery aimed to operate from 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, and included plans for enhanced washroom facilities, new kitchens, and outdoor play areas. However, the plans were met with numerous objections, raising critical safety concerns regarding the single-track, poorly maintained road with no pavements. The Ollerton Village Residents Association highlighted that the anticipated increase in traffic would pose significant risks to both vehicles and pedestrians in the area.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s highways report, released on December 10, strongly recommended rejecting the application. It cited the potential for increased traffic on a road ill-equipped for commercial use, raising alarms about highway safety and residential amenity.
Residents expressed their frustration, stating that while they recognize the need for childcare facilities, the scale of the proposed nursery was incompatible with the local infrastructure. One resident remarked, “This proposal conflicts with planning principles aimed at safeguarding highway safety, residential amenity, and conservation area integrity.”
The withdrawal of the application marks a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about community development in Ollerton. As local authorities and residents continue to navigate the challenges of urban planning, the focus shifts to ensuring that any future proposals align with community safety and environmental considerations.
For ongoing updates and public notices regarding local planning applications, visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Public Notice Portal.
