Little House Childcare in Brinsley has been supporting local families since 2016. What began as a small home-based childminding service has grown naturally over the past decade into a valued local childcare provider. Today Little House supports nearly 60 children across the week and provides employment for more than a dozen people from the local community.

In 2022, small garden cabins were built to allow the childcare setting to operate safely and appropriately while still allowing the family home to remain separate. These cabins were constructed in line with permitted development rules, and the council has confirmed that the buildings themselves are lawful structures.

However, following a small number of noise complaints from neighbouring properties, a retrospective planning application relating to the use of the cabins for childcare was required. Broxtowe Borough Council has now refused this application and is demanding that the cabins are removed and that the childcare setting reduces its operation back to how it previously functioned within the bungalow.

When we asked whether there was any opportunity to discuss compromise solutions, we were told the application had been considered “unacceptable in its entirety” and that the council would not seek compromise, instead requesting that the cabins be removed and the childcare provision significantly reduced.

This position places the future of Little House — and the service it provides to local families — at serious risk.

Little House is not simply a business. It provides an essential service that many local parents depend on so they can work and support their families. Removing or drastically reducing the childcare places available would have a real impact on working families in the area, particularly when affordable childcare is already difficult to secure.

For nearly ten years, Little House has been a positive part of the Brinsley community. We have always aimed to operate responsibly, support families, and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play and grow.

We believe a balanced and practical solution should be possible — one that allows this well-established childcare setting to continue serving the community while addressing any reasonable concerns.

Forcing the removal of the cabins or requiring the business to drastically reduce its capacity could ultimately lead to the loss of a valued childcare service that many local families rely on.

We are asking Broxtowe Borough Council to reconsider its position and work with us to find a fair and reasonable outcome that allows Little House Childcare to continue supporting the families of Brinsley.

If you believe local childcare matters and that small community services deserve fair consideration, please stand with us.

Sign this petition to help protect Little House Childcare and allow it to continue serving local families

Please sign this petition to help Little House continue to serve the Broxtowe community from its current location.