A new nursery has been told it must comply with planning rules or face enforcement action after it opened without permission. 

The property in Bedford Road, South Woodford, was originally granted permission as an osteopathy clinic in 1981, but was turned into a day care centre in May 2013. 

Even though both businesses fall under the same D1 property use, there is a condition restricting its use to an osteopathy clinic only, Redbridge Council has said. 

The Sunflower Nursery group which has two centres in Ilford, took over last year and made various changes to the layout upon its opening in October.

The council became aware of the nursery following complaints from nearby residents about the site's car park being used as a playground and a large exterior advertising banner.  

A Redbridge spokesman, said: "Following receipt of a report of an alleged breach, we visited the development site and investigated the planning history of 1-3 Bedford Road.  

"The lawful use of the site appears to be as an osteopathy clinic which was approved in 1981. 

"Condition 2 restricts the use of the premises to use as an osteopathy clinic, therefore the change of use of this premises would require planning consent.

"A letter will be hand delivered to the premises today to seek a retrospective application within 28 days. 

"The nursery must submit an application for all elements of the breach including the change of use, amendments to landscaping, loss of parking, erection of a veranda structure and advertisements at the premises. 

"If the application is ultimately refused or if no application is submitted, we will serve an enforcement notice upon the premises illustrating steps required to resolve this breach."

Area manager Louiza Meksem, defended the nursery's actions. 

"There is no need to submit an application to operate as a nursery, it is a D1 property.  

"The outdoor play area was originally a garden but was being used by the previous tenants as a car park. 

"I've been in the business for 20 years and not had only problems in taking over D1 properties. 

"I admit we should have applied for planning for the outside sign and we will do that in due course."

Conservative councillor Emma Best of Church End ward, has been working with residents to get it resolved. 

She said: "It's a bit worrying, the council should know what is happening on their doorstep, especially when it involves children. 

"Nearby residents were not consulted about a change of use because it popped out of nowhere.

"There has been no penalty for ignoring planning policy guidelines.  

"The whole thing is a bit of a travesty."