An ambitious bid to unite Wendron Primary School with its sister pre-school has taken a step forward as designs go out to consultation.

The pre-school, which has been open for 20 years, is currently based at Trewennack Chapel but following the amalgamation of the congregation with Helston to form the Central Methodist Church the chapel will no longer be available for use.

It is now hoped that the pre-school can relocate to its own, purpose-built building within the grounds of Wendron School.

A planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council for a single-storey “modular” building, along with two parking spaces within the existing car park on the site of the bike shelter, which will be relocated.

Planning consultants acting on behalf of the pre-school have said: “The obvious alternative location for the pre-school is within the grounds of the existing primary school.

“The siting for the unit relates to an area of overgrown and unused ground to the south-western corner of the existing school site.”

This would be 12 metres wide by 9.6 metres deep, laid on concrete pads.

Inside there would be an open classroom with a carpeted space and a wet play area, big enough to cater for 20 two to four-year-olds at any one time.

The building would also include a reception area, separate office, storage area, two children’s toilets and a staff toilet that would have disabled access. To one side would be a kitchenette with a stable door, where snacks and meals could be prepared. Outside there would be a play area with space to run around.

Pre-school hours would match with existing school hours and relocation would allow four part-time jobs to continue and even expand. Currently the pre-school operates in the mornings only, but it is hoped that afternoon sessions could also be introduced at the new site. Those behind the project are facing a race against time however, as they try to raise £100,000 to fund it.

To help reach this amount, a bid for capital match-funding has been submitted to the European LEADER fund - which is likely to end in 2018. And having planning permission in place is a requirement for funding to be given.

On a JustGiving crowdfunding page set up to support the fundraising, the pre-school states: “We have looked for alternative premises to no avail and closing would mean 20 children losing their much loved pre-school and members of staff losing their jobs, so our small band of parents are looking to raise £100,000 from a variety of sources.”