An East Dorset children's nursery is set to expand by converting two existing flats above its premises.
Happy Feet Nursery and Pre-School on Wimborne Road West, Canford Bottom, says that utilising the space above its ground floor will address what it describes as "a very real and growing demand for early years childcare in the area".
Dorset Council has backed the expansion plan, according to the nursery, acknowledging the pressing need for additional early years care services, particularly for infants under two years old, amidst a surge of new housing developments in the Wimborne area.
The nursery says it is aiming to have the expanded facilities operational by autumn 2025.
In a planning application submitted to Dorset Council, it said: "Happy Feet is an established, high-quality nursery with an excellent track record and strong community relationships.
"The expanded space will directly support working families in Wimborne and the wider Dorset area, especially those returning to employment or training."
Further information on the application, including options for public commentary, is accessible on the council's website under the reference P/FUL/2025/03540 : 120A Wimborne Road West Canford Bottom BH21 2DT, detailing the proposed change from residential (C3) to commercial (Class E) use for the first-floor flats in conjunction with Happy Feet Nursery's current operations.
