Plans lodged for new Hebburn nursery in former church hall

In recent weeks, company Noah’s Ark Ltd lodged an application to change the use of Victoria Road Hall in the Hebburn area.

The converted church hall, at 9A Victoria Road West, currently operates as a ‘role play centre’ for children and their parents and carers.

Under new plans, the site could become a registered day nursery offering services for youngsters, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

According to planning documents submitted to South Tyneside Council, the nursery would offer a mix of learning and play, regular outings and a wrap around service once children move onto infant and junior schools.

A statement in the application form adds the hub would help to serve new housing developments in the area.

It reads: “Given the recent number of new houses built, being built and planned in the future within Hebburn and the surrounding areas we feel there is the demand to warrant a further nursery setting within Hebburn with the location being of benefit to many residents of Hebburn and the surrounding areas.

“The location is situated near public transport links with a bus stop within 50 metres of the entrance and the metro located approximately 400 metres away.

“There is ample parking for pick up and drop offs with unrestricted parking in the surrounding streets and the premises being adjacent to Hebburn town centre which offers free parking for large numbers of vehicles.”

The application documents add that the nursery would offer term-time-only contracts to give “greater flexibility to parents who only work during school terms”, which is not a policy afforded by other childcare facilities of a similar nature.

Proposed opening hours include 7.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays only.

And if approved, the development is expected to create four full-time jobs.

Public comments are open on the plans until Friday, January 31.

For more information visit the council’s ‘planning portal’ and search reference: ST/1000/19/FUL