A vital Somerset nursery will be able to relocate and expand after plans were enthusiastically backed by councillors.

Willow Nursery and Pre-School currently operates off the A361 Charlton Road in Shepton Mallet, on land leased to it by the neighbouring Whitstone School. The pre-school applied in late-February to relocate to a purpose-built site to the west after Whitstone served notice on its lease, putting the children's well-being in jeopardy.

Somerset Council's planning committee east has now granted permission for this new facility, despite concerns about the loss of green space within the town. The new site lies to the west of Whitstone School, near the junction with Frithfield Lane and within walking distance of Collett Park. Willow representatives said their current premises had around 18 months' life left before it was "condemned", and there was no scope to renegotiate any lease with the school.

Parents expressed their concerns when the council's planning committee east met in Shepton Mallet on Tuesday afternoon (September 5). Laura Palmer said: "Children develop the most during their first five years of life. The quality of a child's early experiences make a critical difference as their brains develop. Willow is a charity. The staff are dedicated in one goal: to build a sound foundation for children to grow and learn."

Plans For New Nursery And Pre-School On the A361 Charlton Road In Shepton Mallet. CREDIT: ADS.

Harriet Crees added: "Willow Nursery is an asset to Shepton Mallet. The staff are incredible – they go above and beyond to support children and their development, providing a nurturing and safe environment."

The new facility would protect the existing 14 members of staff at Willow and could create a further six jobs. Richard Thomas, who chairs the town council's neighbourhood planning group, said this green space needed to be protected in light of housing growth elsewhere in the town.

Councillor Bente Height, who represents Shepton Mallet, said: "There really is the need for something like this in town, so parents can just walk there. Children are the future of our society." Councillor Heather Shearer added: "The need for these childcare positions would trump the conservation questions, in my view."

Councillor Shane Collins expressed disappointment with the design of the proposed buildings, citing a lack of solar panels. He said: "It is extraordinary in this day and age that this school, which is going to be used during the daytime only, does not have solar panels."

The committee voted to approve the plans by a margin of nine votes to two. Ms Height was unable to vote since she left the council chamber during the debate.