Plans Ex-nursery to become homes and hall

A FORMER day nursery in north Bristol is set to be turned into a community hall and six bedsits even though there are two similar church halls within yards on the same street.

- Adam POSTANS

Dozens of residents have objected to plans to demolish a single-storey extension and repurpose The Vining Hall in Etloe Road, Westbury Park, which has been vacant since Daisychain Nursery closed late last year.

But Bristol City Council officers advised councillors on the planning committee to approve the proposals.

A three-storey, six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) would be built after the current extension is demolished. Neighbours have objected to the loss of the nursery, the new HMO, the replacement building's design and scale, impacts on the Downs conservation area and parking pressures.

Ward Cllr Caroline Gooch has called in the application to the committee, saying the road was already "dangerously congested" and that locals were already well-served with community halls at both ends of the road.