Plans have been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in recent weeks for a new child care facility in Ballymena.
Located on 2-8 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, the building's owners (Galgorm Developments Ltd, Toomebridge) have applied for change of use from retail units to child care facilities. The proposed changes internally impact the ground floor only, with the first floor being utilised as accommodation, offering four apartment units.
Floor plans reveal a reconfiguration inside on the ground floor to facilitate a baby room (0-2 year olds), sleep room, toddler room (2-3 year olds), pre-school room (3-4 year olds), and an after school room, as well as ancillary spaces.
According to the planning application the proposed facility is designed to cater for up to 50 children (11 0-2 year olds, 24 2-5 year olds, and 15 children aged 5 years plus). The facility is also expected to provide employment for a total of 15 staff (8 full-time care staff, 5 part-time care staff, and 2 full-time ancillary staff).
The application will be considered by the council's Planning Committee in the months ahead.