WICKHAM MARKET: Creating a new supermarket and homes on a derelict area has been welcomed by villagers.

WICKHAM MARKET: Creating a new supermarket and homes on a derelict area has been welcomed by villagers.

Suffolk Coastal District Council has given the thumbs up to proposals from the East of England Co-operative Society to create a new store on the former Jewells Garage site, in High Street, Wickham Market.

The plans for the 1,140 square metre supermarket also include 12 homes - six in a terrace to the rear of the site and six in the form of first floor flats above the retail store.

The plans were given the green light by officials at Melton Hill subject to a number of conditions - one of which is that the Co-op, which already has a smaller store in the High Street, builds a path to the village hall from the supermarket, encouraging visitors to use other shops in Wickham Market.

The news has been welcomed by members of the community who hope the new store will continue to attract people to the area.

Michael Argent, chairman of Wickham Market Parish Council, said: “We have had a long and very positive relationship with the Co-op and we are 100 per cent behind it. It is good news - something which shows their commitment to Wickham Market and something we hope will bring more people into the village.”

Cath Caudwell, a trustee of the Wickham Market Partnership, added: “The former garage was in a dilapidated state and a bit of an eyesore so it's really pleasing that it will now be used.”

Richard Samson, chief executive of the East of England Co-operative Society, said the proposed store is part of a multi-million pound development programme.

“We believe that with a new, larger store we can provide a bigger, better range of goods for our members and customers, with easy car parking on site,” he added.

What do you think of the plans? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.