United Reformed Church in Accrington could become a nursery

The owners of a company called Day Care Centres, have applied to Hyndburn Council to turn the former United Reformed Church in Whalley Road, Accrington, into a nursery catering for children aged up to five.

A planning statement says it will provide 48 places and there will be 10 to 12 staff jobs as well as apprenticeship opportunities, with plans for it to be open from 8am until 7pm Monday to Friday.

The statement reads: “Planning permission was granted on March 20 for partial demolition of the existing single storey Sunday school building, alterations to the existing church and erection of a single storey extension to form a special needs school.

“The applicants have now reconsidered the proposed use and wish to use the buildings for a nursery.

“The Church was founded in around 1875 and was known as the Whalley Road Congregational Church.

“In 1972 the Congregational Church nationally joined with the English Presbyterian Church to become the United Reform Church.

“Its associated Sunday school was built around 1910, and both buildings are located at the heart of the local community but they have been vacant for a number of years. They are considered ideal to create a high-quality nursery.

“Importantly, the proposals will retain the character of the Church and Sunday school as notable local buildings.

"They will be given a positive new lease of life and their physical presence will remain as a lasting reminder of their historical importance in the development of the area.

“With regard to parking there will be, as is the case now, no on-site parking for cars.

"However, parents, staff and visitors will be able to park on street in York Street and Malt Street where existing parking demand is low.

“There is sufficient space within the site to accommodate cycle parking. The site is also very well located in relation to sustainable transport options.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can do so via Hyndburn Council’s website.