Former Maidenhead motorcycle showroom could become children's nursery

A planning application to change a former motorcycle showroom in Maidenhead into a children’s nursery has been submitted to the Royal Borough.

The applicant, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Ltd, is seeking permission to turn the former Bahnstormer BMW motorcycle dealership in Furze Platt Road into a children’s nursery.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is the biggest childcare franchise in the UK and was originally established in 1978.

The application is looking to convert a part one, part two storey building, which was previously used by Bahnstormer from 2012 to 2024, when the motorcycle showroom closed.

It has since been left vacant.

No major external changes are proposed but one of the previous hardstanding areas to the back of the building would be covered with a 3G surface and turned into an outdoor play area.

A garden with landscaping and flowers is also planned as a ‘key part of the sensory learning experience’ offered for the children.

The planning statement said the site is near to the Furze Platt Triangle conservation area but the change of use of the building would not impact the character of the area.

To the front of the proposed nursery a second hardstanding area will be retained and used for parking with seven parking spaces.

A space will also be allocated for the residents living in the first-floor flat above the planned nursery.

The site is also near to three bus stops and the Furze Platt railway station.

Approximately 25 people would be employed, and 90 children are expected to be welcomed at the nursery’s new site.

The planning statement said: “[After] examining current nurseries in the area and the availability of places it is clear there is demand for increased provision in the area.”

Although ‘the proposed development has the potential to increase background noise in the surrounding area’ during drop off and pick up times, mitigation measures have been proposed.

The former showroom is already on a main road and limiting the hours when the children will use the outdoor playground and ‘moving children inside if necessary’ was suggested.

A noise assessment prepared for the applicant found the noise level from traffic and the nursery will be ‘insignificant and unlikely to cause any significant adverse impact’.

Monkey Puzzle also runs a nursery in Grenfell Road.

The Royal Borough is yet to make a decision on the change of use application.