PLANS for a new school building to provide before-and-after-school childcare in Pontypool could be given the green light.

The new building, which could provide up to 40 childcare places, would be in the grounds of Ysgol Panteg, Griffithstown and would share the existing facilities of the school, including access and parking.

The childcare facility would have room for 20 children aged 0 to three, and 20 children aged three to 11.

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The service would operate before and after school hours, and during school hours for the younger age bracket. The facility would be open weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm.

If approved, the plans would include the recruitment of 10 staff.

The land, formerly a steelworks, is currently used as an outside space, including planters, a greenhouse and an area of managed grass.

As part of the application letters were sent to 27 neighbouring properties, however no responses were received.

A planning report on the application says: “The proposed use is considered complimentary to the existing school and it would provide important childcare facilities before and after school, and for non-school aged children.

“There are no restrictions on the operating hours of the existing school, nor the number of pupils that can attend.

“Therefore, there is a strong fall-back position where a wrap-around childcare facility could be offered within the existing school building without the need for planning permission (i.e. breakfast club).”

A decision will be made by the planning committee on Tuesday (May 26).