A Yorkshire village pub could be converted into a nursery for 36 children if new plans are approved.

The Wyke Rose on Huddersfield Road, Wyke, has not been in operation as a pub for several years, and has more recently been used by a furniture business.

Now a planning application to convert the empty building into a nursery has been submitted to Bradford Council by Asghar Developments.

The new nursery is expected to create five full time and five part time jobs.

As well as seeking to change the use of the building, the planning application seeks permission for a first-floor extension, the creation of outdoor learning and play areas, the installation of boundary fencing, external steps, landscaping and new signage.

The application says: “It would deliver childcare provision for local families, create employment, bring a building which is no longer operating as a public house back into a stable long-term use, and improve the quality and security of its external areas.

“The proposal retains the existing building as the principal focus of development. The external areas are reorganised as secure outdoor learning and play space rather than being used for a separate new building or car park.

“The current application does not remove an active pub business or current pub employment. The premises have not traded as a public house for more than three years and have already experienced an intervening non-pub commercial occupation.

“There is clear alternative public-house provision within Wyke. Current public listings identify, amongst others, the Crown Hotel at 480 Huddersfield Road, the Brown Cow at 63 Town Gate, Oddfellows Hall at 82 Town Gate and Ego at The Wyke Lion on Whitehall Road as operating pub / bar premises. The application site is therefore not the sole or last public house serving the locality.

“Rather than converting the building to an entirely private or inactive use, the proposal would provide childcare, outdoor learning space and employment.

“The proposals would secure continued investment, maintenance and occupation of a building which has experienced successive periods of closure since the pub ceased trading in 2023.”

A decision on the application is expected by the end of the year.