DISUSED garages and land in the Maidenhall area of Ipswich could be regenerated after moves were made to build a children's nursery and a community room.

DISUSED garages and land in the Maidenhall area of Ipswich could be regenerated after moves were made to build a children's nursery and a community room.

The Garden House Nursery School, which already has premises in Friars Street and St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, is hoping to utilise land behind The Smock public house, in Conway Close.

It is proposed to build a single-storey building, including a mother and toddler club, which would provide a resource for parents of nearly 50 babies and young children.

It would be manned by 12 full-time and two part-time members of staff and would be open from 7am until 6.30pm. Space would also be included for an outdoor play area and also 18 parking spaces.

The plans have received a favourable response from Ipswich borough council officers, who have recommended the scheme be given the go-ahead.

The officers said: "This would provide a welcome facility for Maidenhall and, whilst in a less than perfect backland location, is closely related to other community facilities.

"The loss of the lock up garages does not appear to be an issue."

Although concerns have been raised about the design of the building, which is described as "plain", according to the officers.

The proposal states the building would be "faced in red brick" and the roof would be "clad with sheeting". However, this would need to be revised before the officers can recommend the scheme is given the go-ahead.

The proposal will be decided on at a meeting of Ipswich borough council on April 23.

N What do you think about the new facility? Is it needed? Is it in the right place? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk