A FORMER pub near Saltash is being given a new lease of life as a 65-place children’s nursery and restaurant, with its new owners already reporting huge interest ahead of a planned January opening.

Cornwall Council has granted planning permission for The Croft, on the A388 between Hatt and Botus Fleming, to be transformed into Cubs Day Nursery and Preschool, creating a new childcare facility for local families.

The development will see around two-thirds of the building converted into a nursery, with the remaining space becoming a restaurant and café.

The project comes amid growing demand for childcare places in the Saltash area, with Cornwall Council’s Childcare Sufficiency Report, published in September 2025, identifying unmet demand for places, particularly for children under two and those aged between 24 and 35 months.

The planning application also highlighted the expansion of nearby housing, including the Treledan development, which is set to deliver up to 1,000 homes.

Jason Carroll and his wife Lynsey, a director of a Plymouth nursery, are behind the plans. They said the project would help meet the needs of working families while giving the struggling pub building a viable future.

The Croft has faced financial difficulties, with much of its ground floor no longer open to the public. The application said retaining the entire premises as a pub was no longer viable, citing rising operating costs and changing consumer habits.

The new nursery will cater for children aged from birth to five, with capacity for up to 65 youngsters. It will operate Monday to Friday, with opening hours from 6.45am to 6.15pm, providing full-day childcare for working parents.

The scheme is expected to create 16 nursery jobs, alongside four roles at the restaurant, bringing employment opportunities to the area across childcare, administration, catering and support services.

Part of the existing outdoor seating area will become a dedicated children’s play space, while the existing car park will be adapted to accommodate nursery drop-offs, staff and restaurant customers. No external building works are proposed.

The site also has bus stops outside, with regular services connecting nearby communities with Plymouth and Callington, offering another travel option for families.

Following the planning approval, a spokesperson for Cubs Day Nursery and Preschool said the response from families had already exceeded expectations.

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of enquiries we’ve received since announcing Cubs Day Nursery & Preschool!” they said. “We are so excited to welcome our first little Cubs in January 2027, and we already have limited spaces remaining!”

Families who have already registered their interest will be invited to view the new nursery in November, meet the team and complete the booking process.

The nursery will offer early years education for children aged zero to five, with structured learning through play guided by qualified staff and the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Outdoor activities inspired by the Cornish countryside will also form part of the provision, encouraging children to explore nature, build resilience and develop confidence.

The spokesperson added: “Thank you for all the love and support so far. We can’t wait to open our doors!”