Children's role play centre plan for Longridge taxi office

An application has been submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council to change the use of the unit in Berry Lane from a commercial office to a family-focused play venue with themed zones for young children and an on-site cafe.

Planning documents say the ground-floor unit measures around 85 square metres and previously operated as a taxi office. Under the proposals, the internal layout would be reconfigured to provide a reception and welcome area, a series of role play spaces, seating for parents and carers, a refreshment prep/kitchen area, and toilets, all designed to allow clear circulation and easy supervision of children.

The centre would cater mainly for children aged 0–7, offering session-based play slots for about 25 youngsters at a time, each accompanied by parents or carers.

It would open during the day only, from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Sunday, with two to three staff on duty per session.

A small food offer of pre-prepared items such as sandwiches, snacks, and drinks is proposed, with no cooking on site and no extraction flues needed.

No extensions or external alterations are planned, meaning the existing shopfront and building scale on Berry Lane would remain unchanged.

The design and access statement stresses that all changes are internal and that the scheme has been drawn up to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area while bringing an empty unit back into active town centre use.

The planning statement argues the role play centre would provide a new community facility for local families, boost footfall and support nearby traders, and fits with policies that direct leisure and community uses into Longridge’s main centre.

It adds that, with all activity contained indoors, daytime-only opening, no amplified music or outdoor play, and no cooking, the use should sit comfortably alongside neighbouring shops, services and homes.

To view the plans in full, visit the council's planning website.