Former Portland nursery could become supported living site
Plans have been submitted for the Brackenbury building
A former community nursery school on Portland is expected to be converted into a home for a young adult in need of supported accommodation.
Dorset Council’s area planning committee is being asked to approve the change of use in the coming days.
A planning request, from the council, asks for new use for the Brackenbury Community Nursery at Three Yards Close, Fortuneswell to be endorsed.
The single-storey building has been vacant since 2019.
Planning documents show little change to the outside of the building, although new landscaping would be added to the grounds along with additional fencing.
Internally the building will see the existing classroom partitioned to create a bedroom, dining room, kitchen and living area.
The existing office space and kitchen will be converted to bedrooms for carers with changes to the existing nursery toilets to provide bathrooms and shower space.
The former play areas to the north and east of the building are proposed to become a secure garden area with part of the plot used to install a special swing.
Portland town council has supported the application with Dorset Council planning officer recommending approval when the plans are discussed at an area planning meeting on January 11th.
A report from the case officer says the proposal would bring a disused building back into productive use and provide a home for a young person in the care of the authority.