Preston-based Ashbridge School reveals plans for 200-place nursery

Plans for a new 200-place day nursery have been submitted to Preston City Council.

Acting as retained planner on behalf of Preston-based Ashbridge School, North West planning consultancy NJL Consulting has prepared and submitted the full application for the proposed site at Maxy House Farm, off Sandy Lane in northwest Preston.

According to Ashbridge School, there is a need for additional places in the area due to increased housing, a subsequent rise in the local population and the Government’s manifesto pledge to boost entitlement for all three and four year olds to 30 free hours each week from next September.

Due to the increased need for nursery places, Lancashire County Council’s Early Years Forum has put forward the scheme as one of six eligible for a capital funding grant.

Katie Delaney, NJL Consulting’s associate director, said: “The new nursery fits perfectly into the North West Preston Masterplan which seeks to build over 5,000 new homes in the area.

“The nursery will be ideally located in the planned local centre creating easy access for parents and will also bring the Ashbridge reputation for providing high quality childcare to north west Preston.”

The chair of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), Ashbridge School director Sarah Carr OBE, commented: “We are keen to ensure that the proposed nursery school comes forward with the support of the community, in light of the fact that this will be a key facility for the future residents of the area.

“Ashbridge has an established reputation through our existing schools across the Preston area and we look forward to providing the same quality service at Sandy Lane.”

Earlier this year, NJL Consulting expanded with a second office in Yorkshire.