A planning application has been submitted to Fife Council to create a new outdoor nursery from three shipping containers.

The units would  replace the former scout radio hut on a 1700-square meter area of the Scout Association site.

The plan aims to tackle the concern within the community over the lack of nursery spaces as well as providing an outdoor learning experience for children.

In  a planning statement for the nursery, developers Gray Planning stated: “It will provide new jobs, and will offer a special service to local families – more so than ever in the pandemic situation, outdoor activity is being strongly encouraged and therefore the nature of the nursery use should be strongly supported by Fife Council.”

The proposed development hopes to offer a base for young children to explore the outdoor environment with a play area, toilets, kitchen and office space within the containers.

The nursery will encorporate Scouting groups such as the Hedgehog Club for children aged 3 to 5 and offer other scout-related activities such as bushcraft, building shelters and exploring nature.

It is planned initially the nursery will operate at a capacity of 30 children per session, but the business hopes that this capacity could rise to 40 in due course.

The business will be offering funded hours for eligible two year olds as well aspri vate childcare spaces for children aged between two to five years old.

Parents will have the option to send their children to morning and/or afternoon sessions.

There will be a small indoor area within the containers where children will have access to activities such as reading books and indoor play.

The building will also act as a shelter.

Councillors will review the nursery planning application in due course.