> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Councillor says nursery joint venture in Lichfield could harm other local childcare providers - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillor-says-nursery-joint-venture-in-lichfield-could-harm-other-local-childcare-providers/ - Published: 2025-10-18T06:01:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-23T04:19:36.000Z - Description: A councillor says a joint venture proposal which would offer a cut-price rent to a restaurant company so it can open a new nursery in Lichfield could destabilise other local providers. - Author: Lichfield Live - Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:45, News A COUNCILLOR says a joint venture proposal which would offer a cut-price rent to a restaurant company so it can open a new nursery in Lichfield could destabilise other local providers. Members of Lichfield District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee had [previously refused to back plans](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/committee-refuses-to-support-plan-for-joint-venture-with-restaurant-business-to-run-new-nursery-in-lichfield/) for the Beacon Nursery project. Under the scheme, a “peppercorn rent” would be paid by commercial partner Hospitality Lichfield Ltd – which [is listed on Companies House](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/15074799?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk) as a licensed restaurant operator. The [initial plans for the project](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillors-to-discuss-proposal-for-joint-venture-to-create-extra-nursery-provision-in-lichfield/) said the new nursery would charge “below local market value” for children to attend and would offer “above market rate salaries” to recruit and retain staff. But Cllr Russ Bragger, representative for Stowe ward, said that while he recognised the benefits of using under-utilised council assets, he had concerns about the impact of the new venture on the local childcare market. Due to a declaration by Conservative cabinet member for high street and economic development Cllr Richard Holland that his sister-in-law was a director of Hospitality Lichfield Ltd, the Labour representative posed his questions to council leader Cllr Doug Pullen: > “Has the council consulted with existing childcare providers to determine what the effect of a new nursery with lower fees and higher staff wages will be on the rest of the Lichfield Childcare economy? > > “Has the council consulted with childcare experts about the feasibility of a nursery without a secure outdoor play area or parking for collection and drop off nearby > > “Although this proposal is structured so that does not come under the Procurement Act 2023, would it be prudent to talk to a range of established childcare companies who have proven expertise in childcare about establishing a nursery here with the council charging no rent?” Cllr Pullen replied: > “This business proposal looked at turning an under-used council asset into something that could benefit young families in Lichfield. > > “An experienced nursery school manager was consulted and assisted in developing the business case – clearly they did not consult with likely competitors.” Cllr Bragger said > “Although I strongly support more quality childcare provision using under-used council assets throughout the district, would the leader take the advice of this council’s overview and scrutiny committee by abandoning this proposal and carefully consider its reservations before any new proposals are brought forward?” Cllr Pullen responded: > “The advice from overview and scrutiny will always be taken forward but it shouldn’t determine what the council does.” Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Bragger said the impact on other local businesses must not be dismissed. > “I am keen to use the council’s assets to facilitate more nursery provision in Lichfield district, but this is an ill thought out scheme that may destabilise the existing childcare providers in Lichfield.”