THE owners of a Northallerton nursery are celebrating today after finally finding a new home.

Looby Lou's has been told it can move to bigger premises in the town to cater for its growing business.

A scheme to build a new facility at Finkills Way - part of an industrial estate - is the fourth attempt to relocate as the nursery became a victim of its own success.

Hambleton District Council's planning committee gave the application the go-ahead yesterday.

And delighted owner Anne-Marie Cooper said work would start as early as next month.

But the issue has not been without controversy. Town councillors voted against the scheme earlier this month amid fears that the estate off Yafforth Road was not an ideal environment for a children's nursery.

Mrs Cooper dismissed such concerns, saying the nursery already operated in a similar location at Swain Court, near the Jewsons store. At one point she said Looby Lou's had not had a proper chance to address the council.

At yesterday's meeting, planning officer Diane Baines said there had been no untoward incidents while the nursery had been close to Jewsons.

"It is the only facility of its kind in Northallerton and it is felt that to sustain growth good childcare is vital," she said.

With 27 vehicle spaces, the purpose-built facility will be able to cater for 15 children aged up to two; 34 aged two to three; 48 aged three to five; and 48 in an Out of School Club. Potentially up to 140 at any one time.

As part of its work, the nursery deals with children at risk and those in foster care or with special needs.

Town mayor Coun Jack Dobson, also a member of the planning committee, said he had a lot of letters backing the scheme.

"Looby Lou's has tried to get other sites and failed," he said.

Coun David Smith said a county council report spotlighted fears about safety because of the nature of the site.

"I can't see anything which addresses these concerns and I am a little apprehensive," he said.

Mrs Baines said the safety comment came from a neighbour and was put forward by the county council. She said the estate roads are wide and footpaths good. "Social services have no problem with the scheme," she said.

Coun Anthony Hall said: "Looby Lou's is a victim of its own success. We have chased it all round town and this is as good a site as any."

Mrs Cooper said later: "I am glad the mayor decided to back the application as I had been worried we had not been given enough opportunity to speak to the town council on this.

"My co-owner Audrey Patterson, the team and I look forward to providing excellent childcare in new surroundings.

"This is our fourth application. We never expected the business to grow so big."

It is hoped to have the new building completed by next spring