A COMMUNITY nursery looks set to go ahead with plans for a new building in Eastwood.

The Eastwood Community Nursery wants to construct a single-storey wooden building in the grounds of the Len Forge Centre, off Eastwoodbury Lane.

The building will replace nursery facilities currently housed within the Len Forge site.

A previous application was refused last year because it was sited on the sports grounds and could result in loss of public open space.

Planners said it had not been demonstrated that the open space was surplus to requirements.

The latest application has been given a warmer welcome by planning officers after it was demonstrated the area for the proposed new building currently has no designated use other than being an area through which footballers access playing pitches and is currently covered with dying conifers.

The application adds: “The proposed development would allow for an increase in the number of children attending the facility, which officers believe, would consequently result in increased employment opportunities.

“The proposed development will enable children to access a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences.”

No objections were received by the council following a consultation of neighbours.

If approved, the nursery will add to much-needed early years provision for the city. The improved facility will have room for 50 places rather than the current 22 places.

Recommending the application for approval, planning officers said: “The proposal is found to have demonstrated a justifiable case for a departure from policy in respect of designated open space on the basis that, on balance, the development overall, including provision of replacement tree and shrub planting, and taking into account the need for the development and the qualitative benefits it would bring compared with the existing nursery provision in this location, the applicant has overcome the previous reason for refusal.

“As there are no other material planning considerations which would justify reaching a different conclusion it is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”

Southend Council’s development control committee will consider the application on Wednesday.