A DISUSED house alongside Martlesham's park and ride site looks set to be transformed into a new children's care centre.Plans to breathe new life into the building have been recommended for approval – despite opposition Martlesham Parish Council.

A DISUSED house alongside Martlesham's park and ride site looks set to be transformed into a new children's care centre.

Plans to breathe new life into the building have been recommended for approval - despite opposition Martlesham Parish Council.

The development, which would be extended and completely renovated, would provide short-term accommodation for vulnerable children.

It would have links with the police, family therapy workers and the Youth Offending Team, while also providing education for the youngsters.

But the proposals have met opposition from Martlesham Parish Council.

It argues the development is not part of the local plan, a point also made by neighbouring Kesgrave Town Council.

A resident has also lodged an objection to the plans, claiming it would set a precedent for further building work in the area.

The objector pointed out Suffolk County Council agreed not to develop the site any further when it got permission to build the £3.3million park and ride scheme.

But in a report David Palk, of Suffolk County Council, said: "I don't consider the policy was intended to cover the current application, which is entirely independent of the park and ride project.

"I don't consider the proposal will create a precedent for further development in this area. The property has good access to public transport, cycle and road networks and is therefore in an ideal an ideal location for a use of this nature."

The property was included in a deal struck by the council to buy the land for the scheme, which has been in operation since last November.

The proposal is being debated by the county council at 10.30am next Tuesday.

What do you think should happen to the house? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk