Southampton hair salon could reopen as a pre-school

The building in Warren Avenue has been vacant for a number of years after previously being occupied by a unisex hair salon and nail technician.

The two-bedroom flat above has also been empty since 2008.

Childcare provider Little Caterpillars has submitted a retrospective planning application to expand the nursery care business.

In the application, the developer Kode Architecture says: “The application should be welcomed and applauded given it brings back a vacant building into suitable use, in a sustainable manner.

“Internal walls have been re-used where possible and the building naturally lends itself to the applicants’ requirements.

“The building is fairly open plan on the ground floor with smaller rooms upstairs to allow different activities for the children.

“As well as the positive employment and economic benefits, the proposals will also generate community benefits providing a children’s care facility.”

The nursery floor plan (Image: SCC)

If the bid is approved, Little Caterpillars will operate five days a week, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm, similar to a typical school day.

The nursery will have five members of staff - three full time and two part time.

It is anticipated the nursery will cater for up to 34 children between the ages of two and five.

The application also states that Ofsted has visited the building and confirmed it is suitable.

Staff can use the car park at the site while two-hour on street parking is also available for drop-offs and pick-ups.