A FORMER children’s centre which has stood empty for more than a year looks set for a new lease of life.

A planning application to transform the South Barn, at the Courtyard, in Great Binfields Road, Lychpit, in to a café and bistro is due to be decided on by council planning chiefs on Thursday.

The plan has been recommended for approval by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council officers ahead of being decided on by councillors at a Development Control Committee meeting.

The Grade II listed building was the Courtyard Children’s Centre but closed in December 2016 when budget cuts from Hampshire County Council led to the axing of 43 of the county’s 54 centres.

A planning statement submitted with the application states the site would be idea for the proposal.

The statement reads: “Lychpit is primarily a residential area with no cafés. This area is very popular with families because of its excellent reputation for the local primary school.

“We consider the former children’s centre to be an ideal space for the café because it is conveniently separated into three rooms, which fits perfectly into our business plan.”

If planning permission is granted, the applicant has also stated the site would be available for community workshops.

However, objections have been raised to the proposal by Old Basing and Lychpit Parish Council which expressed concern about a Right of Way being blocked by outdoor tables and seating, not enough parking and proposed roof changes.

Nine letters of objection have also been received against the plan which has been through alterations since it first was submitted.

Since the location went on the market, agents London Clancy say an array of nurseries and private clinicians have enquired about the building but said it was not suitable for their needs, as did a NHS midwifery department.

Overall, 17 viewings failed to secure a new tenant for the South Barn.

For more information on the plan, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for the reference 18/00612/FUL.