RESIDENTS of Tillotson Road in Hatch End have condemned plans for a nursery at Hatch End High School.

The plans, which have been passed by Harrow Council's planning committee, are for a single-storey building. But people living nearby say it would generate noise and traffic.

David Prowse, who lives in Tillotson Road and said he was speaking on behalf of all the people in that and surrounding streets, claimed they had "suffered endlessly at the hands of Hatch End High", with "foul mouthing" from pupils, loutish behaviour, and "endless out of school hours activities".

"None of us is against the nursery, just the siting," he said. "The playground is at the rear of the school. The nursery will be at the front, as will its playground. Will this not create extra noise?"

He also expressed worries about the amount of extra traffic that would be created.

"There could have been a better location. The front of the school in Headstone Lane has an area which is not used. Tillotson Road is a small street that already has to cope with a load of traffic, including lorries making deliveries from 6am."

Hatch End Conservative councillor Adrian Knowles, who sits on the planning committee, said he would set up a public meeting with residents.

"A nursery is a fantastic idea, and will help with the recruitment of staff at Hatch End High School," he said. "It will help the local community if mums and dads know that their children will be safe."

"The only problem is the location. The residents are very concerned about the traffic. But I felt I couldn't vote against granting planning permission for a nursery, as we are increasing child minding provisions."

Allan Jones, headteacher of Hatch End High, said: "We have sympathy with the residents of Tillotson Road. The school can see that there might be a problem with traffic, but I expect the times of arrival and departure of our pupils and children attending the nursery will be different.

"The nursery will help with recruitment of staff because teachers with young children may find it an advantage to have them near to hand. There may also be work experience opportunities for pupils studying health and social care.

"The dispute really is between the residents and the council."