New plans have been submitted to demolish a derelict barn and create a new organic food nursery, with jobs offered for people with learning disabilities.

A planning application has been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council to transform the site in Yaxley.

Currently the land off Askews Lane, is described as being mostly derelict with a timber barn, and two storage containers.

Planning documents submitted as part of the planning application state that there are also some structures from a former nursery, including two greenhouses that operated on the site around seven to 10 years ago.

The application also states that the site has been vandalised at times since the former nursery closed.

The new plans set out details around reopening a nursery business on the site which will grow organic food and plants.

The derelict barn is proposed to be demolished and replaced, and the existing greenhouses would be used to grow the produce.

The access to the site from the road is also proposed to be widened, as part of the planning application, and a small parking area is also planned to be created.

In the planning statement it said: “The reinstatement of the site would provide economic, social and environmental benefits to the local community.

“From an economic perspective, the business is intended to employ up to three people, and they would supply organically grown plants, fruit and vegetables for local businesses including retail outlets, markets, greengrocers and restaurants and cafes.

“From a social perspective a primary focus of the business would be to provide work opportunities for people with learning difficulties.

“The business has already identified two people with learning difficulties intended to be employed at the location.

“The business would also be committed to education groups by establishing links with education providers and local charities.

“From an environmental perspective, the proposed development would make effective use of a historically developed site, which is currently derelict and has a detrimental visual impact on the surrounding area.”