A nursery hoping to address a town's “enormous shortfall” of childcare places has put forward plans to expand.

Creative Minds in Deal wants to build an extension to its site in Stanhope Road so it has space to take on another 30 children by September 2025.

It says the town has lost almost half of its nurseries in recent years so action is needed to fill the void.

Currently, Creative Minds, which opened in 2013, is at full capacity caring for 60 children aged three months to five years.

If the plans are approved, it will be able to take its total to 90, easing its long waiting list while creating another five jobs.

Documents submitted to Dover District Council by The Duncan and Graham Partnership on behalf of the nursery show the extension would involve expanding upwards by building a third floor on the back half of the two-storey building.

The remaining flat roof at the front facing Stanhope Road would then be turned into a new outdoor roof space with a frameless glass screen.

A statement submitted to DDC explains the nursery’s management team has looked at solutions to the growing need for space and has decided to invest in creating more nursery places.

It says: “During the last couple of years, four out of nine nurseries in Deal have permanently closed.

“This means that there are currently only five nurseries, and this has caused an enormous shortfall in nursery provision for the many families who live and work in Deal.

“With Deal expanding through the numerous new housing estates, there will be even more families and children moving to the town and requiring early years care.”

A new government initiative allowing 15-hour weekly free childcare for two-year-olds has now started and is expected to result in a big increase in demand for nurseries.

The statement adds: “This expansion of nursery funding will create even more demand in a town that is already lacking the necessary infrastructure.

“According to Kent County Council, there is currently a shortfall of nursery places for two-year-olds in the Dover District of 91.

“This figure will increase to 135 in September 2024 if no extra spaces are created.”

The building was originally constructed as the telephone exchange and AT half the size it is today.

The rear section, which is slightly taller than the front, was added at a later date.

The high ceilings at the rear mean a third floor can be added without the building having to be made a full floor taller.