Former pub may be converted into children's nursery

The Royal George in Skelton closed earlier this year

A pub, which closed at the start of the year, could be converted into a children's nursery.

The Royal George, in North Terrace, Skelton, shut its doors to clients on New Year's Day.

Documents lodged with Redcar and Cleveland Council show change-of-use planning permission is being sought, with regard to converting the former pub to a nursery potentially employing seven full-time staff.

A period of consultation is in place until 1 November, allowing the public to make comments on the application.

A Facebook post from the pub's management, posted at the start of the year, said the decision to close had been made with a "heavy heart", thanking customers for their support.

The pub was given a makeover in 2022 after previously being shuttered, but the new venture lasted little more than a year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Two play areas

The application said the pub was currently vacant, and if the change of use was granted the proposed nursery would be open on Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 18:30 BST/GMT throughout the year.

Proposed floor plans submitted with the application show two children's play areas on the ground floor, with further space for nursery activities on the first floor and a kitchen.

The second floor would chiefly be used for storage.

A comment on the application from the council's food safety team said: "Whilst there are no objections to this application, the operator is reminded that if they intend to provide food to the children in their care they must submit an application for registration as a food business to the local authority and comply with all relevant food safety and hygiene legislation."