A former nursery which was graded "good" by Ofsted for more than a decade before it closed is now available to let with permission to use the building as a cafe or other retail unit.

Stepping Stones Nursery on High Street in Uppermill was forced to close in 2020 due to pandemic pressures, despite its consistently "good" rating by the education watchdog.

Now, the nursery building is available to let for £35,000 per annum.

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The Oldham Times: The building has four generous-sized rooms The building has four generous-sized rooms (Image: Breakey & Nuttall)

The single-storey building, which spans 1,105 square feet, is comprised of four main rooms plus an office, kitchen and toilet facilities.

The building, which is being advertised by the property agency, Breakey & Nuttall, is also described as "unique" and in a prime location, overlooking St Chad's Gardens and King George V Playing Fields.

In April last year, the building's owners sought planning permission to construct a small ground-floor extension and a first-floor extension with a view to utilise the building as a cafe.

The Oldham Times: The owners said the building would need some renovation to it but makes for an ideal spot for a cafe or retail spaceThe owners said the building would need some renovation to it but makes for an ideal spot for a cafe or retail space (Image: Breakey & Nuttall)

The planning statement outlined using an outdoor terrace at ground level and a first-floor balcony to overlook the playing fields on Wade Row.

It was proposed the cafe could be called Balcony in the Park.

However, the council refused the application, citing concerns for a potential impact on Grade II listed buildings on St Mary's Gate.

The Oldham Times: The 'unique' property overlooks gardens and playing fieldsThe 'unique' property overlooks gardens and playing fields (Image: Breakey & Nuttall)

The planning officer described the setting as an "attractive group of late 18th-century weavers cottages" and said the extended building would impact the appearance and character of the conservation area.

A subsequent appeal was also blocked by the council in September this year.

But the property is already in Class E for planning purposes, meaning it may still be used as a cafe or an alternative premises in this category, such as a restaurant, creche, gym or office block, without the extension.

The Oldham Times: A prior application to extend the building was deniedA prior application to extend the building was denied (Image: Breakey & Nuttall)

Externally, the premises has grassed areas to either side of the entrance door as well as a tarmac former play area and parking spaces for up to four cars.

Photographs of the building further show the nursery would be in need of some renovation but the owners state the building makes for a great business opportunity.

The full listing of the building can be seen on Breakey & Nuttall here: https://www.breakeynuttall.co.uk/stepping-stones-nursery-the-park-high-street-uppermill-oldham-ol3-6ap/?fbclid=IwAR3728KHTdLBIsp7kgpefxLiv92AgzLN3dEux5Qzgu3BUz2rXVjmv_KUJZk

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.