PLANS have been submitted to create an outdoor learning area at a garden in Northwich.

The proposals for the property on Moss Road include change of use of residential land into a learning space for the local community, including an outbuilding and new fencing.

A letter submitted by the applicant said the outdoor learning area would serve two groups. The first would operate from Monday to Friday for a toddler group of mums and tots, from 9.30-11am or possibly two or three days a week.

The application letter said it would help children learn about nature from a young age, develop outdoor skills and help improve their independence.

The second group of people would possibly be young people from the nearby Vivo centre, enabling them to learn about outdoor skills and how to help improve life skills, the group would operate two or three times a week from noon-2pm.

The letter from applicant Clare Peers, of Bugz and Bunnies CIC, said: “We are setting up a small hub for mums and toddlers within the local community to come along to a safe and secure place to learn about the many benefits of the natural world.

“This has been our inspiration behind this project to help set up a place for people within our community who are more vulnerable to come along to feel that they are part of something without facing the daily barriers they face.

“I do hope that you understand that this project would enormously help the community to connect with local people and feel like their making a positive contribution to society.”

No date has yet been set for a decision. The plans can be viewed on the council's planning site under reference number: 22/02694/FUL.