Permission sought to use Bognor Regis parish centre as nursery

An application has been made to Arun District Council for the change of use of the centre in Hislop Walk to enable the hall to function as a nursery from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday during school term time and as a parish function room at other times.

The Catholic Parish of Bognor Regis and Slindon has applied to add the necessary planning classification.

A planning statement said the layout of the centre is conducive for a nursery and Ofsted had approved the location.

"We have ample alternative locations within our parish centre and church for other parish uses, such as our Scrabble groups and AA so existing functions will not be compromised," it said.

The nursery will be run by an external company, not affiliated with the church, the statement said.

"We believe that a nursery at this location will be an asset to the area. It is close to two schools which ties in nicely with the service being offered.

"As a parish, renting the space to the nursery represents a much-needed source of income. Post Covid, as with most places, we suffered substantial losses.

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"The rental will enable us to keep serving the needs of our parishioners as before."

No material changes are proposed to the building apart from adding tea and coffee facilities to an unused office.

To view the plans and comment go to the Arun District Council planning portal and use the search reference BR/229/22/PL.