A PLAN to turn the former Rose & Crown pub in Limpley Stoke into a day nursery and offices has been given the go-ahead, despite opposition from residents.

The pub, which closed in 2014, will now become a Moonbeams day nursery, catering for children in the Freshford and Limpley Stoke areas, with enough room for up to 55 children and 10 members of staff. The application received over 50 letters of comment from residents and the parish council, with the majority firmly against the plans.

Peter Wyatt, chairman of Limpley Stoke Parish Council, said: “The fact of life is that there is very little that can be done after Wiltshire Council’s decision to grant permission.

"There was a mix of views about the plans and it was quite controversial.”

The majority of the objections focused on the increase in traffic the business would generate, particularly at drop-off and pick-up times.

Nick Brindley, of The Firs, Limpley Stoke, wrote: “The traffic and access issues associated with the application are clearly unacceptable and the risk of traffic collisions along this stretch of the A36 will be significantly increased; I therefore object to the proposals.”

While there was a strong opposition, with more than 30 letters against the application, a number of people welcomed the idea.

Audrey Lippiatt, of Manor Farm in Claverton, said: “A day nursery would greatly benefit young families living in the Limpley Stoke/Monkton Combe/ Claverton areas.

“In my view the plans for the development of this site are both sensitive and advantageous to the surrounding area.”

The design and access statement, submitted by Tim Roberts Planning, proposed the nursery should have a large open-plan play area, a staff kitchen and dining room, a manager’s office, toilets and storage. There will also be two rooms on the ground floor which will be converted into self-contained offices, with separate access.