PLANS have been submitted for a new children’s day nursery.

The plan is to convert part of Far Old Park Farm in Ireleth for children aged eight months to four years to attend.

Applicant David Lindow says in his proposal to Barrow Borough Council: “The farm is currently operated as a working livestock farm, whose main business is breeding sheep and buying and selling store cattle, but in recent years this method of farming has become less viable and the current small nursery provides a diversification that works well with the farming.

“The conversion will allow children a chance to enhance their early learning experiencing with rural life, feeding and helping to care for the nursery animals.”

The plans show an extension to the current car park and changes to a current building being opened up, with the removal of internal walls to create a larger play area and sleeping and changing zones. The layout of the business inside shows it will be based on one floor.

Outside there are plans to plant trees and a section for a children’s play area will also be added.

In the catchment area, there are currently no local day nurseries between Dalton and Askam, with the nearest being in Dalton itself.

The design statement being handed to Barrow Borough Council says: “A play area with learning areas and play equipment will be provided, along with an animal petting area consisting of sheep, chickens and ducks."

An advertisement has already gone online for the nursery staff. It says: “Our setting is a homely environment situated on a farm near Ireleth, just outside of Askam-in-Furness, which cares for children from eight months to five years old.

“We provide a unique opportunity for children to be nurtured and grow, spending as much time outdoors as possible, gaining hands-on experience where they can, and taking a lead role in caring for our animals.”

Barrow councillors will meet next month to consider the planning application.

The council meeting will be available to watch online on the council’s YouTube channel from 2.30pm on July 13.