A FARM shop could be transformed into a nursery after a childcare firm submitted plans to Basildon Council.

Polka Dot Childcare, formed in October 2022, has submitted a planning application to open a day nursery on the site of the Little Burstead Farm Shop in Tye Common Road, Billericay.

The shop is currently temporarily closed for changes, but will reopen soon.

The application details plans for a change of use of two existing agricultural buildings to create the nursery.

The site, which lies on the east side of Tye Common Road to the south west of Billericay, is also home to The Outlet Farm Café which remains open.

Billericay Rachel Dean, 39, believes the plot of Tye Common Road would make an ideal location for a nursery.

“It’s a great location for those who have to commute into London and want to be able to drop off their little ones on the way to the A127,” she said.

“That little area a great small community feel with all the fresh produce being sold by farmers, I love driving down there on the weekends.

“It’s a shame to lose that farm shop, but with the Outlet still open next door it’s not the end of the world.”

A large informal parking area is located to the front of both buildings.

The proposed day nursery will be Ofsted registered and will boast open rooms for children and ancillary facilities such as toilets and office space.

If approved by the council’s planning committee, the proposed day nursery would be open from 7am to 7pm every Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

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In planning documents, Polka Dot Childcare state: “The change of use will provide accommodation for use as a day nursery between both buildings.”

The firm added: “The proposals would not have an impact on any neighbouring properties and would not give rise to any issues associated with traffic, noise or flooding.”