PROPOSALS to open a day nursery in Halesowen have been submitted to Dudley Council.

The plan is to convert the former Margo's Florist at 41, Thornhill Road, which was also known as Thornhill Fruits and Florists, into a nursery for a maximum of 21 children.

The application states that the florists has closed and the owner has put the unit up for rent.

The unit is part of a parade of shops near Huntingtree Primary School, which backs onto Huntingtree Park and includes a butchers, newsagents, hairdressers, beauticians, chemist, barbers and a coffee shop.

There are also maisonettes at the rear of the parade and flats above some shops.

The proposal states that initially the nursery would be open on weekends only, until a demand for weekday places had been established.

The proposal is for it to open from 9am till 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am till 4pm on Sundays.

The nursery, which would employ two members of staff, would open from 7.30am till 6pm Monday to Friday once the need had been established.

The applicant, an experienced primary school teacher, states that there is parking for 20 vehicles at the front of the quadrant of shops and other parking in Huntingtree Road.

Halesowen News:

The applicant submitted the picture above to show the parking available. 

Dudley Council's Highways department, which has recommended the application be approved, said that there must be one car parking space for each full-time staff member and one space per three children "to permit parental drop off".

It notes: "It is presumed that the shared rear servicing area will be used by the staff and customers will have to use the layby arrangement shared with other businesses in the parade.

"It is considered that this will not create any significant highway safety concerns but parents will have to adequately control their children near the live carriageway."

Plans were lodged with Dudley Council on February 19.

Anyone wishing to discuss the proposals can attend the Belle Vale and Hayley Green and Cradley South Community Forum at Halesowen College, on Monday March 9, from 6.30pm till 8.30pm.