PLANS to refurbish and extend a nursery premises have been approved.

An application was put together for a renovation of Small Wonders Day Nursery, on Church Road, in Haydock in late 2023.

Proposals for the demolition of an existing single-storey rear extension and boundary wall, the creation of replacement two-storey rear extension and a full external render cover of the existing main brick faced nursery building were sent to council planners. 

A design and access statement statement in the plans said: "The site is a well-established day care nursery located on Church Road, Haydock."

It states the application is for full planning permission to extend, partially refurbish and develop the property, including demolition of the existing rear single storey portion of the nursery, and the external side and rear boundary wall.

Proposed works also include for the creation of a new two-storey replacement extension within the rear site area, with the new external wall to North Street in line with and continuation of the existing gable wall to North Street.

The proposed extension comprises of on the ground floor additional nursery classroom and activity area, a new kitchen, and new toilet facilities. Meanwhile, on the first floor there would be an extended classroom and activity area together with a fully enclosed outdoor open play area. 

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Also, the existing facing brickwork to all external walls of the main nursery building are proposed to be "render coated" with "a proprietary colourfast render system – Ashlar ‘coursing effect’ finish to the ground floor rendering and smooth finish render to the first floor and gables."

It adds window sills to the existing openings are to be retained, and new ones will match the existing ones.

A summary of the proposed works in the plans adds: "It is considered that the proposed additional facilities will allow the nursery to provide an appropriate first class, safe and secure childcare facility to cope with, and satisfy, the local demand and need for nursery spaces."

One objection was received claiming the proposed extension will enlarge the nursery and create additional offers for child places resulting in increased traffic and parking demands.

However, in a report recommending approval, planning officer Kim Vo said: "The submitted application form details that there are 12 existing full-time employee and therefore, a minimum of 12 parking spaces is required.

"The proposed site plan indicates that the existing car park would be retained for  vehicles and therefore, the proposal would achieve the parking standards."

The report added "a condition will also be attached to ensure that the outdoor play and learn area is not in use or in operation outside the followings times of Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

"Moreover, the nursery currently accommodates full-time staff members and 67 children overall and the proposal will not increase these numbers. As such, the comings and goings to the application site would remain as the current situation and the impact in terms of disturbance is considered to be limited."

The report added "it is considered that the noise impacts from the proposal would be acceptable."

Permission was granted.