A HISTORIC building that was once a nursery could be turned into a house with plans being recommended for approval.

Puddleducks Child Care Ltd ran Butterfly Montessori Nursery from the former union building Bartholemew House, in Colchester Road, Halstead, for 15 years until the end of May when the nursery closed so the owners could focus on other ventures.

The company applied to convert the use of the building into residential, a move that has been recommended for approval by Braintree Council officers.

Residents had raised concerns about the building being turned into flats, however officers confirmed the application was to turn the property into just one home.

The report states: “The proposal would seek to utilise the existing two storey building without any alteration to its external fabric to create a four bedroom dwelling.

“In doing so, the building would retain its existing visual presence unchanged within the local townscape.”

The building was built nearly 100 years ago and officers said that reestablishing a use for the building was important.

The report continues: “As well as maintaining the character and setting of the adjacent conservation area and nearby heritage assets, the maintenance and continued use of this non designated heritage asset would serve to maintain the established character and setting of the local building line along Colchester Road.”

A decision will be made by Braintree Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.