CONCERNS about the level of noise generated by a childminding business have not been enough to stop plans being approved by East Lothian Council.

Duncan Barbour applied to the local authority for a part change of use of the property on North Berwick’s Netherlaw to allow an increase in the number of children being cared for.

The Care Commission had been approached concerning the increase, which could see a maximum of 12 children being cared for at any one time, and the appointment of an additional employee.

The business currently operates between 7.30am and 6pm.

Despite no changes planned for the house itself, the local authority received a letter of objection.
The planning officer’s report reads: “The main grounds of objection are that a childminding business is out of keeping with the residential character of Netherlaw and will result in a loss of amenity for neighbouring residential properties through increased volumes of noise associated with a childminding business and an outdoor play area.”

However, officials deemed that the plans did not “harm the amenity of the neighbouring residential properties".

They added: “Whilst the use of an area of front garden as a play area in association with the childminding business may give rise to an increase in noise experienced in neighbouring properties, there is no evidence at this time to suggest that such noise would have a harmful impact on the residential amenity of those neighbouring properties.”