A former pub building could be set to be transformed into a new children’s nursery.
The plans, put before the council, will see the Tempest Arms on Chorley Old Road turned into nursery facilities.
The company behind the plans already run the Ofsted outstanding rated Heaton House nursery and hope to find similar success with their new venture.
A statement from Neil Pike Architecture said: “Demand for childcare has been consistently high, with the majority of local nurseries having long waiting lists.
“All spaces are currently filled within the current business for the academic year and demand remains high for the following academic year with anticipation that the nursery will be full for the September 2023 intake over the coming months.”
It added: “The proposed nursery will provide a valuable service to the community as well as providing several employment opportunities.
“To add to their educational offerings the applicants will also make use of freelance sport, music, dance and yoga teachers to provide curriculum enhancements.”
The pub has already been closed for some time after being “unable to cope with the effects of the pandemic”, according to planners.
The change of use will not affect the outside building work to a major degree but will include new two-metre-high wood fencing along any remaining boundaries that are not already covered by existing garden fencing.
The statement said: “Due to the existing grounds and size of the site, the property’s current outdoor space lends itself to an open area for children to play outside and therefore meets the early years foundation stage statutory requirement for children to have access to the outdoors.”
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It added: “However, it is also proposed to create an additional small outdoor play area accessed directly from the building.
“This will provide opportunities for children aged 0-2 years old to have outdoor access and will create an additional, cosy enclosed garden area, suitably fenced to ensure privacy.”
The plans were first put before the council on Wednesday, April 19 this year and will be open for neighbourhood consultations until Thursday May 11.
After the consultation period has passed, the authority will then decide whether or not to approve the plans.
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