A childminder who claimed a lack of childcare in a growing north Norfolk seaside resort means some children may be missing out has found new premises which could allow her to care for more youngsters in future.

Becky Garratt runs Little Sprouts daycare from her home in Seaview Crescent, Sheringham, and currently cares for around 40 children.

But she has been forced to limit the number of children she cares for to a maximum of 10 at any time following complaints from neighbours about their behaviour and noise.

The businesswoman was granted temporary planning permission for 12 months on a trial basis, but she has just one month left to comply with the ruling.

Now, following a public appeal for help to find new premises, Mrs Garratt is planning to move into the Scout headquarters in De Morley Garth, Sheringham. She has asked North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) for permission for the building to be granted a change of use from a scout hut to mixed use of a scout hut and a childcare business.

The building could be made available for hire from 7am to 5pm daily, when it's empty.

However, a number of objectors have voiced their concerns to the application.

In their submission to NNDC's planning department, one unnamed neighbour, from Snaefell Park, Sheringham, said: 'Using her own home and garden for the limit of 10 children has caused mayhem where she lives now. It needs to be purpose-built in an open space like other nurseries in the area.'

Other neighbours said that, as De Morley Garth was a quiet cul-de-sac populated by 80pc retired residents, it was not suitable for business or commercial use.

Mrs Garratt, 38, said that, if the plans were approved, she could look after more children. She said: 'I would no longer be classed as a childminder, as I would not be running it from my own residential property. It would be classed as 'childcare on a non-domestic premises'.

'I would like to hire the scout hut during the day. I have already had to let go some of the children I look after because of the council ruling, and parents are up in arms as there are not enough childminding/nursery establishments in Sheringham.'