Sefton Council has approved plans to convert the former Pear Tree Inn in Melling into a nursery for up to 80 children, addressing a local childcare shortage. The site, a triangular plot between Bank Lane and Prescot Road near Headbolt Lane station, was previously a pub and later Italian restaurant Alba, which closed earlier this year.
Nursery Details and Capacity
The proposed Bumbles Nursery will accommodate 21 babies, 24 toddlers, and 35 pre-school children across three ground-floor rooms, plus a sensory room. The first floor will house toilets, a utility room, offices, and a staff room. A single-storey, flat-roof extension to the rear will replace an existing extension, increasing total floor area by 16%.
Addressing Childcare Demand
Council documents indicate a severe shortage of childcare places in the Molyneux ward. A 2025 assessment found zero year-round vacancies for under-twos, two-year-olds, and three- to four-year-olds. During term time, there are zero vacancies for under-twos, two for two-year-olds, and 26.5 for three- and four-year-olds. Demand is expected to rise due to new housing developments and the introduction of 30 hours of funded childcare for working parents of nine-month-olds from September 2025.
Parking and Staffing
The development increases off-street parking from 28 to 32 spaces, three fewer than council guidelines, but planners deemed it acceptable due to an on-site waiting area and low likelihood of all bays being filled simultaneously. The nursery will employ 15 full-time staff and operate weekdays from 7:30am to 6pm.
Provider Background
Bumbles Nursery Group, a family-run provider established over 20 years ago, operates nurseries in Maghull, Aintree, Orrell Park, and Old Swan. The group stated it works closely with Sefton Early Years and other agencies, with a strong reputation for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Melling nursery aims to build on this model in an area with growing demand.
Objections and Planning Considerations
The application received six objections citing air quality, highway safety, parking, and green belt impact. The site lies in the green belt but within a built-up area; the council ruled the development would not affect openness, as a nursery's activity level is similar to a pub or restaurant. A 2.1-metre acoustic fence will be installed, and the council found no significant neighbour impacts due to distance.
Cllr Sam Hinde, representing Aintree and Maghull South, called the application to the Planning Committee to address concerns about highway safety, air quality, and area character. Darren Muir of Pegasus Group spoke for the applicant, calling it “a modest, well-contained proposal” with “substantial social and economic benefits.”
Decision and Conditions
Councillors voted unanimously to approve, subject to conditions: building materials matching the existing structure, sound insulation as proposed, and a council-approved travel plan before opening. Independent councillor David Leatherbarrow queried catchment areas; officers confirmed no formal zones exist, allowing parents from neighboring wards to benefit.
