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14
Nov
Harrogate primary school given nursery go-ahead
A Harrogate primary school has been given the green light to open a nursery.
Coppice Valley Primary School, part of Red Kite Learning Trust, put forward plans in August to convert a unit previously used as a caretaker’s lodge into a teaching space with toilets and an office.
A 16.5 square-metre extension will be added to the 1980s lodge and internal alterations carried out.
North Yorkshire Council approved the plans subject to conditions this week.
Under the proposal, a canopy area will be erected and four additional parking spaces created.
Planning documents say:
This proposal for the adaptation of the historic caretaker's lodge allows the school to expand on the currently stretched facility and responds to the schools aspirations for growth, improved learning environments and operations.
The proposed design has a coherent language in-keeping with that of the existing building and is sympathetic to the surrounding context.
The building offers an accessible facility for students to learn and develop skills. It will ensure the school's facility aids to meet the school demand within the area of Harrogate.
A proposed site plan for the new nursery. Credit: Bowman Riley
According to a council report, there were no objections to the plans.
The council said the proposal represents “acceptable alterations” to the building, which would not have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
The trust’s chief operating officer, Jonathan Timmis, previously told the Stray Ferret the nursery will cater for 26 three-year-olds.
He said at the time:
We’re so excited to be opening our very own nursery provision in September 2026.
Our nursery will provide places for 26 three-year-olds, with a curriculum designed by our experienced teaching staff to give children the very best start to their learning journey.
Children will also benefit from access to our forest school, enjoying hands-on outdoor learning and a love of nature from the very beginning. We can’t wait to welcome our youngest learners and their families into our community
When we approached Mr Timmis for comment after the plans were approved, he reiterated his previous statement.
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