A pub which closed at the start of the year could be converted into a children’s day nursery.

The Royal George, in North Terrace, Skelton, shut its doors to drinkers on New Year’s Day.

A Facebook post from the pub’s management at the time said the decision to close had been made with a “heavy heart” and thanked customers for their support.

It was given a makeover in 2022 after previously being shuttered, but the new venture lasted little more than a year.

Documents lodged with Redcar and Cleveland Council show change of use planning permission is now being sought for the building which has three floors, the first and second floors consisting of residential accommodation.

A period of consultation has now begun, running up until November 1, allowing the public to make comments on the application.

The application said the pub was currently vacant and if the change of use was granted the proposed nursery would be open on Monday to Friday between 7am and 6.30pm all year round.

Seven full-time staff could also be employed as part of the venture.

Proposed floor plans submitted with the application show two children’s play areas on the ground floor with further space for nursery activities on the first floor along with a kitchen.

The second floor would be mainly used for storage.

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A comment on the application from the council’s food safety team said: “Whilst there are no objections to this application, the operator is reminded that if they intend to provide food to the children in their care they must submit an application for registration as a food business to the local authority and comply with all relevant food safety and hygiene legislation.”

The Royal George was originally known as The Royal George and Commercial Hotel and is a former coaching inn.