NORTH Somerset Council has stressed that it is not looking for a different site to build a children s centre in Clevedon.

NORTH Somerset Council has stressed that it is not looking for a different site to build a children's centre in Clevedon.

A planning application to turn The Barn, in Great Western Way, into a one-stop-shop for parents and youngsters has been deferred to consider objections to the proposal.

Ward councillor for Clevedon Central, Councillor Stanley Vyce, appealed to the council to investigate a second site in Strode Road, behind Mary Elton Primary School, while the decision was deferred.

Mr Vyce said the site, which is currently wasteland, is favourable because it is not near residential properties, it is near a school and would not be near The Barn, where alcohol and drug abuse is known to occur.

But North Somerset Council has rejected the suggestion. A spokesman said: "We are not looking at other sites due to time restraints.

"The planning application is set to go back to committee in February and we are considering the comments raised by residents."

Many residents have objected to the proposal to build a two storey and a single storey extension on to The Barn, as well as a staff car park, which would be built over a children's play area.

People living nearby have voiced concerns about extra noise and traffic and the loss of a popular play area.

The proposal is due to go before North Somerset Council's North Area Committee on February 7 at the Town Hall in Weston.