A SUPERMARKET giant is finally set to start work on its latest store in town in May - more than three years after getting permission.

Sainsbury’s was granted planning permission to open at B&Q, in Lightship Way, Hythe, in February 2016.

But plans, first mooted in 2014, have not moved forward despite the brand promising it is committed to opening a fourth store in the Colchester.

It had initially planned to open the 73,000sq ft store in 2017.

B&Q is still trading at the store but its lease comes to an end in May and the building will be handed over to Sainsbury’s.

The DIY store plans to move to the Stane Retail Park, in Stanway.

Now Sainsbury’s has submitted an application to Colchester Council asking it to discharge conditions relating to construction work.

The application says work is proposed to start in May and is expected to last an entire year.

But the document gives no indication of when the store may open.

Building works will be carried out during weekdays from 8am to 6pm.

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The report said: “The works consist of external alterations, installation of a goods online facility, colleague area, two concessions and domestic area at ground level and a café at mezzanine level, the removal of the existing garden centre and builders’ yard, provision of cycle parking, recycling facilities and reconfiguration of the customer car park.

“Highway works also form part of the planning application to Greenstead roundabout and the A134 Colne Causeway.”

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Construction traffic will take a route through the town via roadworks at Ipswich Road and Harwich Road and then the Greenstead roundabout. When it opens the new store will have a café, bakery, pharmacy and click and collect facility.

Sainsbury’s was contacted for comment.