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09
Aug 2021
Plans to convert former Smarties nursery in Ripley into home
The aristocratic owner of the building that housed Smarties Day Nursery and Pre-School in Ripley for over 30 years has applied to turn it into a three bedroom home for his son and family.
Smarties opened in 1987 and catered for 52 children. The building, which is called Wood Close, is part of the Ripley estate and is owned by Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby. They served notice to the owners of the nursery earlier this year.
Its closure promoted an emotional response from many parents on the Stray Ferret’s Facebook page, with one saying she was “absolutely gutted” and another calling it “really sad news”.
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A planning application submitted to Harrogate Borough Council by Sir Thomas asks to change Wood Close's use from a children's nursery to a home as the Ingelby's son and family plans to move there from Ripley Castle.
Meanwhile, the management of Smarties recently applied to HBC to convert the former Spotty Dog Boarding Kennels in Brearton, which closed in April, into a new nursery.
As part of the application, a letter was sent to the council by Smarties’ management, which called the site in Brearton “a perfect setting for a children’s nursery” with indoor and secure outdoor play.
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