PLANS to convert part of a former bowling green in Barrow into an outdoor classroom for a nursery have been given the go-ahead.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from Kerry Griffin to transform part of the former bowling green at Abbotsvale Community Centre into an outdoor classroom for Cheeky Monkey’s Nursery.

According to planning documents submitted on behalf of Abbotsvale Community Association, the bowling green was laid in 1998 but fell into disrepair with Covid being ‘the final straw’ for the site.

The planning statement describes the green as an ‘unused’ and ‘dangerous’ space that could be better utilised for the community.

A small section of the green is proposed to be an outdoor classroom for Cheeky Monkey’s nursery which planning documents say will create at least three jobs and nine spaces for young children.

Planning documents also show there will be a gate as well as a fence surrounding the outdoor classroom.

The planning statement says: “This is an exciting time for Abbotsvale community centre and Cheeky Monkeys Nursery, we have always worked together as a team to improve the lives of the local community.

“This new outdoor classroom will be an asset to the nursery as well as an asset to the local community and Abbotsvale Community Centre, offering much needed childcare spaces in an already overstretched sector.”

This planning application was approved on October 3.