The Gazette revealed yesterday Sainsbury’s is finally set to start work on its latest store in town in May.

The supermarket giant 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.

Now planning documents have revealed work could start in May.

READ MORE: Work set to finally start on new Hythe Sainsbury’s in May

Our readers took to Facebook and the Gazette website to debate the news.

Here is what you had to say about the plans.

Department 3 said: “I'm wondering whether there's enough trade for three stores in this area?”

Radioleg added: “Tesco is indeed overloaded so I imagine a bit of canabilising there, and possibly shoppers not going cross-town to the Tollgate Sainburys. If, however, it brings significantly new traffic to the area, look out.”

ColonelChester said: “That is that end of town at complete gridlock when it opens then. Tesco already blocks the way at peak times, B&Q adds some at other times, but Sainsbury will be the final straw. I don't know what highways improvements are included, but unless it involves sending eastbound traffic out via boundary road or a new road directly to the A133 without using the Greenstead roundabout collection, then it will be chaos.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The lease for B&Q at the Hythe ends in May

From the beachut said: “Surely too big for just a modern Sainsburys. Hope it is split with something else. But at least we'll get a version of Argos in there so we can click n collect without all trekking to Tollgate.( Or hack into town).”

READ MORE: Lidl submits plans for former Homebase store

On Facebook Andrew Mehen said: “And watch the Hythe finally grind to a complete halt.”

Lisa-marie Bell said: “We need a Morrison’s we already have a Sainsbury’s.”

Elizabeth Boyer added: “Great I can now get more nectar points and just on our doorstep, love Sainsbury’s.”

Adrian Arnot said: “When Tesco moved there they had to improve the road structure including the bridge over the railway. I'm sure Sainsburys will have to improve it even better.”

Terry Cooper said: “Only 8 years too late...”

Mark Golding added: “Because that’s exactly what Colchester needs, another giant Supermarket.”

Maria Moore said: “Well at least B&Q will be easier for us to get to when they move! And if I need Sainsburies, I can use the one at Tollgate at the same time. Can't see this one doing too well when you consider all the competition from all the others nearby, but I guess the locals will be able to have more of a choice as to where they shop.”