A POPULAR farm is hoping to build a nursery to “inspire young minds about the countryside, farming and nature”.

Barleylands Farm, Barleylands Road, Billericay, has submitted a planning application in the hope of creating a new 96-place nursery and pre-school.

If approved by Basildon Council, the plans would see the creation of a new nursery building

The farm already holds “learning outside days” where pre-schools are invited for fun, educational visits designed for younger visitors.

But the creation of a new nursery and pre-school would allow the farm to have 96 youngsters at the site full time.

Chris Philpot, managing director of Barleylands, said: “Acting as a natural extension of Barleylands award-winning education, the new nursery and pre-school will inspire young minds about the countryside, farming and nature.

“Caring for children from six weeks until they start primary school, youngsters will benefit from supervised visit to the farm, a brand new nursery building and forest school sessions.

“For years we have taught children about farming and the countryside.”

It is hoped the nursery will offer something different to others available.

Plans were previously submitted by the Barleylands owners, but were withdrawn in order for improvements to be made.

Mr Philpot added: “We are very excited about this new development and very much hope our application will be successful.

“The new venture will be available to all local families and will support the free 30 hours childcare scheme.

“It is also hoped that the additional childcare places will help fill the local area’s shortfall, highlighted in the council’s sufficiency report.”

The plans are now being considered by planning officers, who will make recommendations to the council’s planning committee.

A decision will be made later this year on whether the farm can start to build the nursery.