Up to 50 new jobs are to be created at a new day nursery and play centre.

Councillors have approved plans to convert the former Royal Mail sorting office in Clarendon Way, Colchester, providing the developers provide adequate car parking.

The day nursery will be able to cater for 108 children and the play centre will accommodate up to 150.

It will also serve as an NVQ-approved training centre for nurses and will look after 40 children after school finishes.

Approval was granted despite objections raised by the Go Bananas Play Company, situated in the nearby Cowdray Centre.

A letter submitted to Colchester Council said the new nursery would lead to crowded car parks, traffic problems in North Station Road and threaten the jobs of 16 people currently employed by Go Bananas.

However the application was described as "a joy" by Ray Gamble, chairman of the development control sub-committee.

Fellow committee member Lucy Wood (Lab, Mile End) agreed.

"This has my full support," she said.

"Here we have a building that is near to homes, a train station and a good bus service. It's a great idea and will provide a well-needed service."

Tony Webb, (Ind, Tiptree), added: "It's a very forward-looking application and I'm sure it will be very successful."

The day nursery will operate from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, while the play centre will be open from 9am to 6.30pm seven days a week.

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