The facility is expected to look after up to 100 children at a time and employ 13 staff. It would consist of play rooms, cot rooms, amenities and an office space.

However, a petition against the proposal with almost 90 signatures from neighbours has been handed to council. It calls for the development to be rejected, based on the operating hours – which are outside the Child Care Planning Guidelines – the increase in traffic it would bring to the area and because it is against the intended character for the area.

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Council also received another 12 submissions on the proposal. Most raised concerns the development would increase traffic in the area and had insufficient parking.

Council staff had recommended the application for approval but at the Planning, Development and Environment Committee meeting on Monday night, councillors voted to defer the decision until the council meeting on February 25.