A new nursery is to be created in Peterhead at the site of a former local pub.
Plans to change the use of the Creel Inn have now been approved by Aberdeenshire Council and will allow conversion works to start on the building.
Bosses at Pride N Joy Nursery lodged their bid with authority planners in July and were told this week that permission to take on the former pub lounge had been rubber stamped.
In a report on the scheme – which will use the facility’s nine parking spaces for staff and parents in Wilson Street – a planner said the nursery would fit in with its surrounding area.
“It is not considered that proposal would be out of character, nor would it impact the amenity of the immediate area, whilst continuing to provide employment,” he added.
Architects will now have to give notice to the council prior to any work starting.
Pride N Joy Nursery has three years to begin developing the pub into a new base before planning permission lapses.
Last night, Jacqueline Stephen, owner of the nursery, was unavailable to comment.
The new-look premises will be able to host 95 children and 18 staff.
It will also have several store rooms, a nappy change area, male and female toilets and a sleep area.
With it, the nursery will be able to cater for babies, toddlers, pre-school aged children, and youngsters waiting for their parents to finish work.
Yesterday, workmen could be seen painting over the name of the pub, the Creel Inn, in preparation for its transformation.
At present, the building is split into three different areas, including a lounge and traditional public bar.