CHANGES to part of a children's nursery in Stockton Heath have led to fears of 'an accident waiting to happen'.

Little Acorns Group has applied for retrospective permission following amendments to the front of Stepping Stones Day Nursery.

It hopes to change the section of the property, on London Road, from off street parking to an outdoor children's learning and teaching space.

Other proposals include the relocation of off street parking from the front to the rear of the premises.

Little Acorns Group is also bidding to increase the use of the garden at the site from three hours to four hours each day of the week.

A statement in the planning documents said amending the conditions would ensure there is 'flexibility in allowing the children to develop in both the indoor and outdoor environments, depending on their interests'.

It added: "Ofsted look for children's engagement in a wide variety of physical activity, both indoors and outdoors.

"They look for the outside facilities to be an extension of the indoor areas and to be based on children's interests.

"Outdoor areas are planned to further extend the children's interests and their physical skills."

However, residents have outlined their concerns to the proposals.

Geoff Shaw, who lives next to the nursery, said: "We are extremely confused and frustrated as the nursery are proposing a variation of conditions to outside playing times when the retrospective planning has not been addressed to changes from a staff car park to a front playground.

"This breach of condition, from a staff car park to front playground, was made two years and four months ago, without planning permission, which is still to be addressed after all this time.

"We feel our rights as a family living in a primarily residential area has not been taken into account during this lengthy period in any way, especially when considering the additional noise disruption from the children and staff in front area.

"We should not be restricted in our own home with the need to close all our windows and doors to conduct our day to day living – this is not fair and very restrictive for me and my family to conduct our day to day lives.

"The retrospective planning application has an extensive catalogue of events dating back to the year 2000.

"They have made changes without planning permission. It is not fit for purpose. It is an accident waiting to happen."

The council is currently considering the formal representations.

The applications are due to be decided by March 10.