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Planning barriers

My husband and I work together as registered childminders offering flexible, affordable, quality care to a small group of children. We were astounded when several neighbours objected to our planning application to care for three children overnight, primarily for NHS staff. Our planning officer recommended our application for refusal based on the fact that we don't have an in/out driveway and we live on a corner. The committee, thankfully, disagreed. We were given temporary permission for one year. This means we have to pay 220 again next year and go through another anxious eight weeks.

The committee, thankfully, disagreed. We were given temporary permission for one year. This means we have to pay 220 again next year and go through another anxious eight weeks.

Had it not been for the excellent advice and support from the National Childminding Association and two local councillors, we could have lost our home and would have been forced to cease childminding at a time when childminders are jumping through hoops to offer all the services the Government is asking settings to provide.

I wonder what experiences other childminders have had of the planning process and, indeed, how many have been told they can't live on corners?

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