PLANS for a new £31 million M&S store at a derelict Toys R Us site have been dubbed a 'no-brainer' by councillors.

Babergh councillors unanimously approved the plans, subject to conditions, for the former Toys R Us store at the Copdock Interchange, near Ipswich, yesterday afternoon.

The building, which has been empty since Toys R Us went into administration in 2018, would receive a £31 million investment, with some 2,755 square metres added.

Unlike other developments of this scale, the plans for the new M&S received no objections from residents, instead attracting four letters in support of bringing the site back into use.

During the meeting, councillors questioned planning officers on issues around access, particularly for those with mobility issues.

They agreed on an additional condition requiring the company and the council to agree on details for a ramped, step-free access, to ensure it is safe and suitable for everyone.

Further questions were asked on the new store's impact on the one in Westgate Street, in Ipswich town centre, which would have to be resized.

Lynn Scott, head of town planning for M&S, told councillors there would be an impact, but said the town centre store would be better served despite the floorspace.

"It's a balance between how people are shopping today and ensuring you're putting an offer that's fit for the market," she said.

The new store could create around 138 new jobs, prioritising local people, some relocating from the Westgate Street store.

Cllr Helen Davies, the ward member, told councillors the proposal was good on balance, particularly given the derelict nature of the former Toys R Us building.

Cllr Laura Smith pointed out it was rare to see an application with this level of consensus and called it a 'no-brainer'.

Cllr Michael Holt added: "It's been long overdue and I think, as a district, we will benefit enormously from that, as will locals.

"There is a big question over the town centre — all town centres are suffering, large and small, but I don't think it's M&S's responsibility to keep the town centre viable."