A NATIONAL day nursery franchise is hoping to transform two neighbouring offices into its latest branch.

Warwick-based Banana Moon Day Nursery Ltd, which has branches in Sale and Altrincham, has submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council to convert 18 and 20 Manchester Road into a children’s day nursery.

The firm wants the nursery to accommodate up to 48 children at any one time – although it claims attendance at Banana Moon nurseries usually ‘tops out’ at 80 per cent capacity in the third or fourth year of trading.

Ten members of staff would also be expected on the site, which has a predicted ‘effective capacity’ of 38 children.

But in its supporting statement Hancock Town Planning, acting on behalf of Banana Moon, admits that staff car parking could be an issue on the site.

The developers are proposing 10 parking spaces, but guidance in the existing local plan states nurseries should provide one parking space per staff member plus three for visitors and safe dropping off points.

“Whilst there is a small shortfall of spaces compared to the recommended standard, it is important to note the low level of staff car ownership and usage associated with day nursery use, and the sustainable location of the site,” it said.

“The site lies in a highly sustainable town centre location, within easy walking distance of bus stops and the town’s railway station.

“In addition, may parents bring two or more children in a single drop-off [and] many parents will drop their children off and collect them as part of their daily commute.”

Hancock adds that ‘very few members of staff drive’ due to their low wage and average age of 18.

Comments on the application can be submitted to CEC until Wednesday, June 7, and the council hopes to make a decision by the following day.

To view the application, search for 17/2321M on CEC’s online planning portal.