Plans are in the works for a new 65-space daycare on the east side of Saint John.

Council considered a rezoning application this week for land at the corner of Heather Way and Grandview Avenue.

The land, which is currently zoned two-unit residential, would need to be rezoned to local commercial in order for the development to go ahead.

A staff report to council said the centre “would provide a much-needed childcare service for existing and future residents of the neighbourhood.”

“The proximity to residential areas is considered an important location criterion for childcare facilities,” said the report.

Yeva Mattson, a planner with the city, said the closest daycare centres to the proposed facility are three and five kilometres away.

“These daycare centres have a capacity of about 61 spaces between them, but no available spaces this year,” said Mattson.

Mattson also noted that there are only 40 available daycare spaces currently in the city, and half are for after-school care.

Council unanimously approved the first and second readings of the rezoning application. It will come back to council for third reading at a future meeting.