PLANS for a new £31 million M&S store at a former Toys R Us have been recommended for approval.

Babergh councillors will discuss plans for the former Toys R Us store at the Copdock Interchange, near Ipswich, on Wednesday, 17 December).

Marks and Spencer's (M&S) bid to refurbish and extend the building with a £31 million total investment, adding some 2,755 square metres to the store.

If approved, existing restrictions on what could be sold would be lifted.

Proposals for building, which has been empty since Toys R Us went into administration in 2018, received support from four local residents.

One said: "Yes please to this development, it's about time.

"There is absolutely no reason for it to be delayed – creates jobs for local people, brings the choice of quality food and clothing to the area."

No objections have been made by residents.

It is expected the new store will create around 138 new jobs, prioritising local people, some relocating from the existing store in Westgate Street, in Ipswich, which would be re-sized.

One resident said: "Yes, yes, yes, for the love of god, yes. Time to fill an empty building and breathe some life into the area. M&S would be welcome!"

Another added: "At last! A positive outcome for a sad and neglected building.

"This iconic landmark heralds the approach to Ipswich, our county town, and at the moment, it is not a good impression for first-time visitors."

Ipswich Borough Council acknowledged some concerns around negative impacts on the town centre, due to the diversion of traffic, but said retail stores could no longer be relied upon as a centrepiece for viability.

It said: "There are reasons to be optimistic about the direction of travel in the town centre that will keep footfall and investor sentiment high."

Babergh's economic redevelopment and regeneration team added: "The building has fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect, and this now detracts from the visual appearance of the area.

"This proposal represents an opportunity to bring the unit back into long-term economic use, with a sustainable refurbishment that revitalises this strategic gateway site."

Officers have recommended the plans for approval, subject to conditions.