Former Hebburn Masonic Hall to be transformed into children's nursery after council approval

South Tyneside Council's planning department has given the green light to plans for a children's nursery at a former Masonic Hall in the area

South Tyneside Council's planning chiefs have given the thumbs up to plans for a children’s nursery at a former Masonic Hall in South Tyneside. The council's planning department has greenlit an application concerning the future of Hebburn Masonic Hall, located at the junction of Aln Street and Whickham Road.

Noah’s Ark Nursery, currently based on Victoria Road West in Hebburn, earlier disclosed ambitions to take over the hall as a means to grow the business and meet increasing demand. A planning application was lodged to repurpose the Masonic Hall, and it's believed that the nursery has since clinched the purchase of the building, which has been unoccupied for a number of months.

The planned alterations to transform the site into a children’s nursery include installing new windows, adding a "bi-folding door and personnel door", and erecting a new rear boundary fence. According to a design and access statement submitted to the council, the revamped nursery aims to "offer spaces for up to 85 children per day and job opportunities for up to 20 new staff".

Although no on-site car parking is included in the proposal, planning documents from the council indicate that "maximum capacity would be 21 staff at any one time". Additionally, a modest fence is suggested for the back yard to create a 'baby garden' for the tots.

During the public consultation phase held by the council, three objections were voiced, highlighting worries about traffic, parking, and noise issues. Concerns were also raised regarding parents potentially using neighbouring streets for dropping off their children.

Despite concerns about traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, a new nursery has been given the green light by South Tyneside Council. The planning application for the site was approved on October 9, 2024, with conditions including the installation of an acoustic fence and obscure glazing.

The council's decision report noted that the property is in a sustainable location with access to public transport, including Hebburn Metro Station and bus services in Hebburn town centre. Conditions were also set for cycle parking to be installed on site before the nursery opens, and a travel plan to monitor ongoing parking at the site.

The council added a condition restricting the use of the property to a nursery only and no other Class E use.

The proposal is deemed necessary as other uses (which are included in a wide variety under use class E) may generate different car parking demands and impact upon the highway. "It is also possible that given the location many of the users will be walking to the premises and would not be using a car."

The nursery’s proposed hours of operation would be from 7.30am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday and drop off and pick up times of children would vary throughout the day.

A council planning report stated there "would be slots for parents / carers to choose" to "stagger times" where appropriate. Nursery bosses behind the move have previously said plans would double the number of staff while allowing the nursery to "recruit professionals with specialised qualifications and expertise in this area".

Noah’s Ark Nursery added the "timing of this expansion aligns perfectly with new government initiatives [...] which will entitle all parents to government-funded childcare, facilitating their return to work after parental leave."

Under planning conditions, the children’s nursery development must be brought forward within three years. For more information on the plans or council decision, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: ST/0274/24/FUL.

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