Why it matters: The approval paves the way for a building that has stood empty for seven years to be brought back into use, with councillors welcoming the investment in what they described as a derelict landmark approaching Ipswich.
The details: M&S will refurbish and extend the building with a £31m total investment, adding some 2,755 square metres to the store.
Existing restrictions on what could be sold will be lifted.
The proposals received support from four local residents, with no objections made.
What they're saying: One resident said: "Yes please to this development, it's about time. There is absolutely no reason for it to be delayed – creates jobs for local people, brings the choice of quality food and clothing to the area."
Another added: "Yes, yes, yes, for the love of god, yes. Time to fill an empty building and breathe some life into the area. M&S would be welcome!"
A third said: "At last! A positive outcome for a sad and neglected building. This iconic landmark heralds the approach to Ipswich, our county town, and at the moment, it is not a good impression for first-time visitors."
Councillor Laura Smith said it was rare to see an application with this level of consensus and called it a "no-brainer".
Councillor Michael Holt added: "It's been long overdue and I think, as a district, we will benefit enormously from that, as will locals."
Councillor Helen Davies said the proposal was good on balance, particularly given the derelict nature of the former Toys R Us building.
The other side: During the meeting, councillors questioned planning officers on issues around access, particularly for those with mobility issues, and agreed on an additional condition requiring the company and the council to agree on details for a ramped, step-free access.
Questions were also asked about the new store's impact on the Westgate Street store 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 reduction.
"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.
Councillor Michael Holt added: "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."
Ipswich Borough Council had acknowledged concerns around negative impacts on the town centre, due to the diversion of traffic, but said retail stores could no longer be relied upon as a centrepiece for viability.
The council said: "There are reasons to be optimistic about the direction of travel in the town centre that will keep footfall and investor sentiment high."
Babergh's economic redevelopment and regeneration team added the building has fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect, and this now detracts from the visual appearance of the area.
The team said: "This proposal represents an opportunity to bring the unit back into long-term economic use, with a sustainable refurbishment that revitalises this strategic gateway site."
By the numbers: The new store is expected to create over 100 new jobs, prioritising local people, with some relocating from the existing store in Westgate Street, in Ipswich, which would be re-sized.
For context: When M&S's plans were first announced last year, council leaders said the deal would secure "an ongoing M&S presence in Ipswich town centre" alongside the new Copdock store. However, Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald later confirmed there is no contractual agreement requiring M&S to keep the town centre store open.
What's next: The approval, subject to conditions, means M&S can now proceed with the development of the site.
The bottom line: After seven years sitting empty, the former Toys R Us building will finally return to use following the unanimous approval, with councillors describing the £31m investment as long overdue for a derelict gateway to Ipswich.
