NEW ‘play pods’ are to be developed at a Donegal creche.
Donegal County Council has granted conditional planning permission to Wonder Years Childcare Centre Creche and Montessori, based at Rossbracken, Manorcunningham for the innovative development.
The creche submitted plans in August for pods which they believe will help to deal with the Covid-19 guidelines.
Six childcare ‘play pods’ will now be development on agricultural land at the existing site.
The six childcare play-pods will have access from the existing childcare car park.
Each ‘pod’ will consist of a plot of land between 320 square metres and 425 square metres. The ‘pod’ would contain a designated play zone area, a sheltered structure with a water closet and wash facilities and a single storey child care classroom.
The plans also include the development of associated car parking facilities adjacent to the pods, for the purposes of drop-off and collection.
Permission was this week granted by Donegal County Council, with 11 conditions attached.
These conditions include that the use of the play pods will be used solely in conjunction with the permitted crèche facility, and used for educational and play purposes only; the boundaries of the site are to be planted with hedgerow; all current trees, shrubs and hedgerows will be retained or replaced; and other conditions associated with lighting and water.
On submitting the plans, Wonder Years Childcare said: “These will look amazing when complete and enable all our children the freedom to explore and engage in their environment with their class peers, whilst preventing contact with other classrooms.
“The health and welfare of all our children and team is as always of highest importance.”
Tags: