A NEW nursery for up to 30 children could be coming to the first floor of an Indian restaurant, if proposals get the green light from council bosses.

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council to turn the first floor of Whitecroft Indian Bar and Restaurant in Oswaldtwistle into a children’s nursery.

The restaurant in Haslingden Old Road, previously called Asha before being renamed, will remain open on an evening time and the nursery would be open during the day when the restaurant is not currently open.

Applicant Rihibur Rahman from Haslingden is looking to convert the area which is currently a first floor flat and dance hall to provide the facility which is needed in the area.

Syed Helal Uddin, from planning agent SHUAS, said: “During the day time the restaurant is not open, so we want to make use of the first floor.

“We feel there is a demand for it, we’ve heard from people in the local area who want something like this.

“A few customers even suggested about the possibility of turning the first floor into a nursery.

“It is slightly out of the way which I think will be a good thing for parents.

“It’s a safe and secure place.

“It would definitely be a good thing in the area, there needs to be more places like this available.”

The nursery service will primarily work from Monday to Friday from 7am until 5pm each day.

Whitecroft Indian Bar and Restaurant opens from 4.30pm each day, apart from Sundays when it opens at 2pm.

The planning agent for the nursery said it will be able to host around around 30 children at once and will target those age five and under.

In total six jobs would be created if the plans are given the go-ahead, with two full-time roles and four part time jobs.

The proposals would mean the first floor would feature dedicated toddler, baby and kindergarten areas, along with a staff room, office, kitchen and bathroom.

Cllr Lisa Allen, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said people are always looking for more nursery facilities.

She said: "It's not something I would have thought of for that location.

"I've been to the Indian restaurant a number of times.

"It's a site that is a bit out of the way and there is plenty of parking available.

"People are always looking for good quality nurseries and there have been some closures in recent times."

A decision will be made on the proposals by the Hyndburn Council planning committee in the coming months.