The College of West Anglia wants to knock down buildings at its Isle College site in Ramnoth Road, Wisbech, to make way for housing.

The controversial application has been before planning councillors before but was put on ice for further talks - but council officers are now suggesting the plan is approved.

Representatives of the college met Wisbech Town councillors who objected to the application because they don't want to lose the college's hall as a community function venue.

Town councillors are also concerned about the loss of educational facilities for Wisbech and the impact the new homes would have on local infrastructure - such as GP surgeries.

Fenland Council officers have made further investigations and a report to next week's planning committee claims there is sufficient GP capacity in the medium-term and officers are talking to the Primary Care Trust about the long-term needs.

With regards to educational facilities, officers have spoken to the county council about a new primary school and a different site is being considered.

Regarding the loss of the functions hall, the report points out this is not a planning issue but officers have pursued it in view of the local concern.

A scheme is being looked at under the Building Schools for the Future programme to provide a performance area in Wisbech for 200-300 people and the Thomas Clarkson Community College is currently being considered as the venue.

The College of West Anglia wants to build a flagship campus at Floods Ferry in March and is looking to turn the Ramnoth Road site into new homes as part of that project.

The college has said the current buildings on the Wisbech site are in a poor condition and need modernising.

The application is for planning councillors to decide but officers are suggesting approval - subject to conditions.