Leeds village could get new nursery places if bungalow conversion plans are approved

A village could get new nursery places if plans to redevelop a vacant school building are approved.

Pre-school youngsters in Collingham, near Wetherby, could be looked after in a converted bungalow at Lady Elizabeth Hastings CE Primary School.

Space for up to 32 children at a time and wrap-around care between 7.30am-6pm would be provided if Leeds City Council gives planning permission.

A design report said the plans were drawn up in response to the recent closure of the village’s only remaining pre-school.

It said: “The proposed pre-school will deliver significant and lasting benefits to both the local community and the wider area by increasing access to high-quality early years education within Collingham.

“Educationally, the pre-school will improve children’s readiness for school by providing high-quality early years education within a highly successful primary school.”

Places would be provided for three and four-year-olds at the Linton Road nursery, avoiding the need for working parents to travel to neighbouring villages.

Single-storey extensions, ramped access and cycle storage would be installed at the former bungalow, which was unused and falling into disrepair.

The report said: “In addition, the proposal represents the sustainable reuse of a vacant school building that has been unused for approximately three years and is at increasing risk of falling into disrepair.

“Bringing this building back into productive educational use will enhance the school estate and provide a valuable community asset for future generations.”

The report said families using wrap-around provision would arrive to drop off and collect children at different times between early morning and evening.

It said: “This will naturally spread vehicle movements over a much longer period and help to reduce pressure on the turning circle, nearby parking facilities and surrounding roads during the traditional school drop-off and collection periods.”

A change-of-use planning application is out for consultation until October 12.