PLANS for 74 homes to the north of Fordingbridge have sparked safeguarding concerns due to the close proximity to a nursery.

The application for the development on land at Burgate Acres has been submitted to New Forest District Council by Metis Homes. The proposal also includes the creation of new access, parking, and open space after the demolition of some of the existing buildings on the site.

A number of parents whose children attend Fordingbridge Day Nursery as well as staff have called for the boundary to be moved further way from the nursery and measures to address the safeguarding concerns.

A letter from the nursery’s director Tim Morey, which has been submitted to NFDC in response to the application, said: “I wish to make it clear that we do not oppose the redevelopment of the land at the rear of our nursery. However, we have serious concerns over the proximity of the proposed houses to our boundary. Our rear play grounds are overlooked by the unthoughtful siting of the new houses. We are concerned that the close proximity will lead to problems of noise as we can have up to 80 children using our outside space.”

Mr Morey added: “We feel that the plans as drawn could have an impact on the viability of our nursery. Maintaining our numbers is critical to the business.”

The plans state the housing would be made up of two, three and four bedroom houses and one and two bedroom flats.

Parent Natasha Jerrard said she felt “strongly uncomfortable” that the boundaries of the buildings were “incredibly close” to the nursery, adding that “this is very unsafe for the children attending”.

In her letter, she said: “I feel this is a massive safeguarding issue. I don’t disagree with the building itself however I feel that there should be more open land between the housing and nursery.”

Concerns were also raised by members of the public about how close the proposed properties were to the rear boundaries of neighbouring properties in Salisbury Road.

Resident Tamara Williams echoed concerns over safeguarding of children at the nursery. She also raised objections due to the “lack of infrastructure”, adding: “I would also like to object to the development in respect of lack of infrastructure in the area for example GP and dentists are oversubscribed and more housing would make the situation worse. I also have concerns re the new road layout and for safety of the children attending Burgate School.”

And resident Chris Marchant said: “I welcome the homes being built in the town my issue is the boundary of a number of homes that back on to Fordingbridge day nursery. I have a concern about the safe-guarding and security of both my children who attend this popular day nursery. I would like to see to open space incorporated a long the boundary of the existing properties in Burgate to remove this risk.

Another resident Lisa Barrett said: “Not only will this have a huge negative impact on the nursery and other surrounding areas including the schools and other dwellings. But the town of Fordingbridge is not designed to take more residents. The town already struggles with a lack of facilities and infrastructure, and schools and doctors will suffer further with more people moving to the area.”

One resident also said the proposed development was “not in keeping” with the surrounding area, which included Grade II listed properties. Concerns were also raised over flooding and drainage and the proposed layout and impact on the A338.

A spokesperson for Metis Homes said: “We will be responding in due course to all concerns raised.”

To view the plans go to https://planning.newforest.gov.uk/online-applications (Reference 20/10228). The application has received 54 public comments, including 47 objections, which can be viewed online.