The move follows proposals set out in More Affordable Childcare, which aim to speed up and simplify the process for opening new nurseries to increase the provision of childcare for working families.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation asking for views on proposals to change the planning regulations to make it easier for buildings to be converted to provide childcare.
The aim is to replicate the rights that were given to state-funded schools in May this year.
If the plans go ahead, the change in the law will mean that premises currently used as offices, hotels, residential and non-residential institutions, some agricultural buildings, and leisure facilities could be converted into nurseries without the need for a full planning application.
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