Former church could be converted into children’s day nursery
A former church could be converted into a children’s day nursery if plans are agreed with the city council.
Pre-school care for under-5s would be provided under new proposals for the Dewsbury Road United Reform Church building.
Registered provider Tots Team Nursery said space would be made for 40 youngsters if Leeds City Council grants planning permission.
A design report said the scheme would bring a large and well-known community building back into public use.
It said: “The building is no longer used for organised worship and its former principal community function has ceased.
“Although a small charity shop has operated from part of the premises, the building as a whole is significantly under-used.”
The report said Tots Team had supported more than 120 families and created jobs at its existing nursery in Headingley.
It said: “The business was founded by its owners after they identified a need for high-quality, safe, inclusive and accessible childcare within their local community.”
The new nursery proposal would provide additional early years places for families in Beeston, Hunslet and wider south Leeds.
The report said: “The nursery would provide high-quality early years education and childcare for approximately 40 children between the ages of six months and five years.
“The surrounding neighbourhood is densely developed, with a substantial residential population within walking distance of the site.
“Public transport provision is readily available, including bus services immediately outside the premises.”
Changes to the two-storey red brick building would include outdoor play areas, the report said:
It said: “Outdoor play would take place during the nursery’s daytime operating hours and would be supervised by staff.
“It would not operate as an unrestricted public recreation space or be used during evenings or weekends.”
Early-staged talks had been held with the council on the application, which is out for consultation until November 26.
The report said: “The council has already confirmed that the principle of using the former church as a children’s nursery is acceptable.”