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Search the Public Notice PortalRIDING Mill Outdoor Pre-School has lodged plans for a new permanent home after being told it could no longer stay at Broomhaugh C of E First School.
The charity, which has been based at the first school, was told in September 2024 that it would need to leave the site by July 2026 because the land was required by the school.
It has since made temporary arrangements to use the Spinney in the village while pursuing a permanent move.
Now, an application submitted to Northumberland County Council (NCC) proposes a purpose-built timber pre-school building and outdoor play area in the grounds of Wentworth Grange care home, off Underwood Road.
Planning agent Milburn Planning said the relocation had become "unavoidable" because there was "no realistic prospect" of the pre-school remaining at its current base, despite it being the preferred site due to its links with the village school and community.
The proposed single-storey building would include an indoor play space, children's toilets, an office and storage, supporting the pre-school’s outdoor-led activities. It would cater for up to 15 children and three staff at a time.
The application site lies in the Green Belt, but the planning statement argues that the pre-school's need to relocate, the absence of other suitable available sites and the value of retaining local childcare amount to "very special circumstances".
Milburn Planning said several alternatives in and around Riding Mill had been assessed, including land near Whiteside Bank, the tennis courts, the sports field and land near Osbit.
The sites were rejected because of issues including availability, size, drainage, safeguarding, ecology and public access.
The applicant said Wentworth Grange was the only "realistic and deliverable" option capable of providing the secure woodland setting needed for the charity’s outdoor learning model.
The scheme would use managed garden land within the care home grounds rather than agricultural land. It includes two grass-reinforced parking spaces and cycle parking, with access via the existing Wentworth Grange entrance.
The pre-school has previously said a permanent move was expected in September 2027 after delays to the planning process
The application, reference: 26/02841/FUL, is open for consultation via NCC's planning portal until September 1.
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