A SCHOOL has defended plans to create a new nursery at its site - amid concerns about the proposals.

Shibden Head Primary Academy in Queensbury, which is part of the Focus Trust, has entered into a consultation period to build a new nursery, creating places for 60 children.

But business owners running existing nurseries in the area do not want the plans to go ahead.

The United Nurseries of Queensbury said in a statement: "There are currently already four private nurseries and two school nurseries in the village.

"None of the providers are currently full to capacity. 

"We worry that another large nursery in an already undersubscribed area will cause massive sustainability issues for the current nurseries, which could result in the potential closure of these settings and the loss of around 60 local jobs."

A spokesperson from the Focus Trust said: "We are committed to putting children first and providing the children and families of Queensbury and Bradford with a wider choice of high-quality nursery provision for three to four-year-olds in readiness for starting school. 

"We will continue to listen to all feedback received during this consultation period."