Nursery World - Nursery Chains: Premises

As the Government consults on new planning permission rules, Joe Lepper takes a look at the challenges and benefits of unusual sites

The Government wants to hack away at some of the red tape the early years sector faces when applying for planning permission to set up new nurseries.

The move is part of its early years expansion agenda, outlined in the report More Affordable Childcare, and will mean those wanting to convert pubs, police stations, hotels, offices, leisure centres and care homes into nurseries will no longer have to apply to change the building’s use or for full planning permission.

The Government is currently consulting on the plans, which could come into force from next April.

Those nursery owners who have already converted more unusual buildings into early years settings have welcomed the move.

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