Leamington nursery to get extended play area after plans are approved

The Irwin Memorial Hall premises, in Kenilworth Street, are owned by Kigass Ltd and used to be home to the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion.

Plans submitted to the council asked for permission to partially demolish a 1980’s single-storey extension to the side so that an extra secure outside play area for the children could be created.

Other work will see a 1.8m fence put up around the edge of the play area with a new external fire escape, wall and window also installed.

Planning officers were told that the work to the side of the hall would not affect the historic fabric of Irwin Hall which is thought to date back to the 1840s and is Grade II Listed.

A report considered by planning officers explained: “The extension itself is of little merit to the building and care has been taken to ensure Irwin Hall and the adjacent coach house are unaffected.

“The play area is currently set back and fenced off from Kenilworth Street, with little public view from the street. The inclusion of the 1.8m high closed board fence will ensure that views remain restricted, and is necessary for the use of the building as a children’s nursery.”