I don't know if this application has been granted yet, but I would comment as follows.

First, I think the debate about having children playing nearby is not the fundamental reason why residents are up in arms about this application.

If for a moment we cut through all the child based issues that have been debated (for and against) and look at the bare bones, what we are left with is an application to run/expand a business in a residential area – and (whisper it) you expand a business to make more money.

Yes, there is indeed a dire shortage of nursery places in the FH area and yes, I have no doubt that the applicant’s intention to provide a first class nursery with the children’s best interests and welfare at heart, is an honest one – but if there’s one thing that irks the neighbours more than the sound of noisy children, slamming car doors and inconsiderate parking, it’s when someone else stands to make financial gain because of it – and I can sympathise with that.

Second, anyone can become a nimby and since it is often viewed to be some sort of disease, I would point out that just like a disease, there is usually a cause. In fact all it takes to change a perfectly liberal minded person into a nimby is a planning notification from the council through the letterbox – and the whole reason for providing a planning notice is so that residents likely to be affected can comment and quite rightly object, should they so wish.