Thatched House: Former Wakefield pub to be converted into children’s nursery
Plans to convert a former Wakefield pub into a children’s day nursery have been approved.
Wakefield Council planners gave the go-ahead for the old Thatched House, in Stanley, to be converted into a facility for up to 60 youngsters aged between two and five years old.
The pub closed in January last year due to its “sustained financial non-viability”, according to documents submitted to the local authority.
Applicant Silkstone Finance requested a change of use of the Aberford Road building, saying there was a “demonstrable demand” for early years childcare provision in the area.
A justification statement for the scheme said: “Despite its historic role as a local public house, changing social habits, reduced footfall and competition from larger venues have rendered the business unsustainable.
“This mirrors a broader trend in the area, with other pubs such as The British Oak on Aberford Road having closed and remained vacant for over a decade.”
According to the Wakefield District Children and Young People’s Plan 2025–2028, improving early years outcomes and expanding access to childcare are strategic priorities.
The statement added: “Wakefield has over 75,000 children under 18 with increasing ethnic diversity and persistent inequalities in early development.
“Wakefield’s development scores are improving but still require targeted support, especially in deprived areas.
“The building is structurally sound and well-suited for adaptive reuse.
“Its internal layout, outdoor space, and parking provision make it ideal for conversion to nursery use with minimal external impact.”
Plans include installing classrooms, toilets, a kitchen and secure access points on the ground floor.
Staff rooms are planned for the first floor with access to an outdoor play area from the basement.
Consent was also granted for the facility to open from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The statement continued: “The proposed change of use will deliver a valuable community facility, repurposing a vacant building in line with local and national policy.
“The scheme is well-designed, accessible, and sensitive to its surroundings, with minimal external impact and strong safeguarding provisions.
“The scheme represents a positive investment in Stanley’s community infrastructure.”
A council officer’s report said the development would ‘benefit the local community’.
It said: “The council’s early years team has been consulted in respect of the proposed development and has offered no objections, stating that they would support the change of use as there is a shortfall of childcare places in the Stanley and Outwood ward.”
The pub closed last year following an announcement on Facebook.
The post said that, from information given from the brewery, the site would “most likely be going up for sale.”
“We have loved our time in the pub and meeting all the lovely regulars,” it said.
“We have made some lifelong friends and look forward to spending our last few weeks with our regulars.
“Thank you to everyone that visited during the time we were open.
“Sad to be leaving but the pub needs so much work doing to it for it to function 100%.”