New Penrith nursery plans set to be approved

If approved, the nursery would employ 20 people and have room for 80 children

Plans for a "much-needed" new nursery in Penrith are set to be given the go-ahead.

Atkinson Building Contractors want to build a day and pre-school nursery for 80 children at Eden Business Park.

Westmorland and Furness Council's planning committee has been recommended the approval of the plan, which would also create 20 jobs.

Planning documents said nursery provision in Penrith was "at capacity".

The economic regeneration and development team at the council is supportive of the plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In a report prepared ahead of a meeting on 13 March, the team said the government's expansion of free nursery places had caused an increase in demand and existing facilities already had waiting lists.

It added: "The proposal will create new jobs and facilitate parents who wish to return to work by ensuring that additional childcare places are available in the town."

The proposed nursery will have a ratio of one member of staff to four children.

It would also operate a staggered timetable, ensuring that children are dropped off in intervals, with additional staggered pick-ups and drop-offs at lunch times and throughout the afternoon.