A Measham property has been given the go-ahead for a change of use that also allows it to be used for childminding for up to and including eight children.

North West Leicestershire District Council granted permission for the property at Potters Way after objections were initially raised at plans to cater for 14 children.

The business will only be in use as a childminder between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays, with the garden being used for the care of children between 10am and 4pm only.

The officer's planning report said: "The scheme originally proposed a change of use for a childminding business for up to 14 children, however this has been reduced during the course of the application for up to and including eight children (excluding those children who reside at the premises).

"Re-consultation has been undertaken on the amended description. On the basis of the above, it is therefore anticipated that with the applicant's own children there would be a maximum of 10 children with the house,

at any one time.

"The applicant has provided details of times and number of children across the week:- Monday and Tuesdays - 5 children; Wednesdays - 7 children; Thursday - 6 children; Friday - 3 children.

"The site is currently operating as a childminding, with one additional employee."

The report also says that Measham Parish Council had objected to the original plan to cater for 14 children on the following grounds.

•The potential number of people on the property children and staff could be excessive;

•This will cause increased vehicle movements at all times of the day;

•Creation of noise nuisance for neighbouring properties;

•Trade waste will need to be provided;

•Members feel that a change of use to a business class should be applied for as it would be a private dwelling used as a nursery.

One letter of objection was received along with one of support. Following the reduction in the number of children and the re-consultation undertaken no objection was received from Measham Parish Council.

The applicant, Miss Beth Richards, made the original application in October, saying she wanted to increase the capacity of her current childminding business, employee an assistant and raise the ratio of children to more than six at certain times.