PLANS to create a children's centre in a Derby suburb have been recommended for approval, despite opposition from some local residents.

The city council has received six letters objecting to its proposal to open the centre in the grounds of Parkview Primary School, Oakwood.

The children's centre would be one of 18 one-stop venues in the city where childcare is available and parents can get employment and health advice.

The council also plans to extend the car park next to Oakwood Community Centre, across the road from the Springwood Drive school.

The proposals would mean reducing the nursery playground area to accommodate the centre.

But objectors say they think the school site is unsuitable and the community centre would be a better location.

Jonathan Bridgewood, of Oakwood, wrote: "I do not believe that consideration has been made for using Oakwood Community Centre, on the same side of the road as the additional parking facility."

Parent Tracey Watts, also of Oakwood, fears that the centre would hinder any future expansion of the school.

She said: "There is plenty of land across the road for this development.

"Also, I think people will still park in Springwood Drive, as it is not served by a bus route – and the nursery children will lose their view."

Other people says the centre is unnecessary because Oakwood is not an area of deprivation.

Councillors on the planning control committee have been recommended to approve the centre when they meet at the Council House tonight at 6pm.

They will hear that Government guidance states that, where possible, such centres should be on school sites, to integrate services.

The Oakwood centre would be one of the last four to be completed in the city.

A planning application is due to be considered soon for a children's centre at Chellaston Junior School.

At Meadow Farm Primary School, some extra building work is needed to create a children's centre. And there will be new development at Stonehill Nursery School, which will be known as the Babington Children's Centre.