DEVELOPERS have been given permission to build a supermarket in Colchester, but the company who will run it has not been chosen.

Co-op and Morrisons are the favourites to open the store in Gosbecks Road.

Scott Properties has been given permission to build a 1,900 sq metre supermarket - the size of a hockey pitch - and 115 car parking spaces, creating about 100 jobs.

It will be built on land owned by the Colchester Wine Company and Colchester Council.

Paul Smith, councillor responsible for business, said: “I’m pleased the plans have gone ahead.

“It is going to provide a significant number of jobs.

“We’re very keen to work with the supermarket to ensure local people get the very best opportunity to get those jobs.

“I think if you look at the growing population in Colchester there needs to be extra shopping facilities.”

Colchester Council’s planning committee approved the application.

Nigel Offen, borough councillor for Shrub End, said: “I think residents will welcome it.

"It will give them a very convenient supermarket without having to get in their cars.

“My only concern is I think the supermarket bubble has got to burst at some time.

“There are supermarkets going up everywhere.”

Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have previously ruled out the site and Waitrose said on Friday it is not interested.

Co-op and Morrisons did not provide responses when asked if they were interested in the site.

The store could be open by the end of next year.