The HRA formally sent concerns into TDC Planning dept on 11th August 2025 regarding the application to build a day nursery on Holland FC grounds. You can find a copy below:
Dear Planning Officer,
I am writing on behalf of The Holland Residents Association and its members to raise serious concerns regarding the proposed development of a single-storey day nursery at Holland Football Club, Dulwich Road, Holland-on-Sea (Planning Application Ref: 25/01075/FUL). We believe this application as it currently stands poses significant risks to road safety, residential amenity, and infrastructure resilience.
Parking and Traffic Congestion
- Existing Parking Issues: The football club already struggles with insufficient parking during matches and events. Visitors frequently park along the street, often blocking driveways and restricting access for residents.
- Emergency Access: Inadequate parking and congestion pose a real risk to emergency vehicle access, particularly on match days and during peak nursery hours.
- Road Design Limitations: Dulwich Road is not a through road and was never designed to accommodate high volumes of traffic. With cars parked on both sides, navigating the road becomes hazardous, especially for those with mobility issues.
Impact on Residents
- Noise and Disturbance: Residents already contend with disruption during football events. The addition of a nursery operating from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, will increase noise, traffic, and general disturbance.
- Safety Concerns: Without traffic calming measures or resident-only parking schemes, the risk of accidents will rise—particularly with young children being dropped off and collected daily.
Construction Impact
- Road Surface Deterioration: Construction vehicles and machinery will further damage the already poor road surface, increasing maintenance needs and reducing accessibility.
- Access During Works: Residents may face additional disruption during the construction phase, with limited access to their properties and increased congestion.
While the application notes that the site is underused and offers parking, this does not reflect the lived experience of residents during football events. We agree that the proposed nursery may offer community benefits, but these must be weighed against the real and ongoing impact on local safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.
We respectfully urge the planning committee to very carefully consider this application and ensure substantial mitigation measures are provided before approval.
Yours sincerely
Karen Clark
Transport, Planning & Highways