PLANS to turn two farm cottages in Stroud into a nursery for 40 children have been approved.
East Hampshire District Council planners working on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority approved the conversion of the cottages at New Buildings Farm off the A272 Winchester Road at Red House Corner.
Hampshire Childcare Development (HCD) officer also backed the idea put forward by Fiona Winscom of the farm, which will remain as a working enterprise.
An HCD statement said there was further demand for childcare places in the Steep and Froxfield area, and Mrs Winscom’s proposal would help fill that need.
On her behalf Advoco Planning said: “The day nursery aims to capitalise on the rural location, and the farm and the it’s animals are part of it’s educational ethos.
“Outdoor space will be used as extensively as possible and the farm location is essential to the nursery concept.”
It was also agreed that the nursery would be within walking distance, via a path across fields, of Langrish Primary school in Ramsdean Lane, and the Seven Stars pub on the A272.
Although there will be nursery parking, it is suggested that parents of children at Langrish school who also have youngsters at the nursery, could park in the pub cark park and walk their children to one, or both, places.
It is being recommended that to make the walk easier, an existing path is upgraded and stiles along it replaced with ordinary pedestrian gates.
To fund improvements to make pedestrian access to the nursery easier from Stroud, Hampshire County Council Highway Authority has stipulated that a £25,000 contribution is made.
Granting permission planner Nicky Powis said: “This proposal would provide a needed community facility in a rural location where there is a need for this service.
“Whilst it is a rural location, it is reasonably accessible from major roads, and is within walking distance of the village school so could provide a destination where trips could be shared.