Plans for a new children’s nursery in Penrith, creating 20 jobs, are set to be given the go-ahead this month.
The nursery, if approved, would be built on Eden Business Park and could accommodate up to 80 youngsters.
Members of Eden local area planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council are recommended to approve the plans from Atkinson Building Contractors when they meet on March 13.
The proposed nursery will have a ratio of one member of staff to four children and would open from 8am to 6pm.
According to a report prepared for the planning committee, the economic regeneration and development team at the council was supportive of the plans.
It said: “This is a much-needed facility in Penrith due to the expansion of free working hours by the Government increasing demand and there are already waiting lists at existing facilities.
“The proposal will create new jobs and facilitate parents who wish to return to work by ensuring that additional childcare places are available in the town.”
A design and access statement adds Penrith’s existing day nursery provision was ‘already at capacity’ before the roll-out of the Government’s expansion of free child-care in September.
The nursery would operate a staggered timetable ensuring that children are dropped off in intervals, with additional staggered pick-ups and drop offs at lunch times and throughout the afternoon.
The proposed nursery will be built in the north-eastern corner of Eden Business Park.
The report by planning officers concludes: “Whilst the nursery/preschool would employ a small number of people, it is not primarily an employment use, and as such is contrary to the Local Plan employment land allocation.
“That notwithstanding, the benefit of providing an additional important local service to the community which is in line with the Government’s recent expansion of free childcare funding is deemed to outweigh the harm and an exception to policy is considered acceptable in this circumstance.”
