A community leader has said he will do all he can to ensure that work at the site of a proposed Co-op in Bury St Edmunds is completed quickly, after it began just days before deadline.

A 4,000sq ft shop, complete with five two-bedroom flats above for private sale, is planned for currently disused land at the Marham Park estate after it was given the green light by West Suffolk Council in September 2021. 

Developer Sheppard Developments was given until September this year to begin work before a new reserved matters application would have been required.

Bury Mercury: Work has begun at the Marham Park site just a week before the end of SeptemberWork has begun at the Marham Park site just a week before the end of September (Image: Newsquest)

Last week, just days before the end of the month, residents saw work by local company Chris Daniel Groundworks, including the creation of what appears to be a ramp onto the site, begin.

Luke Halpin, who represents the St Olaves ward on West Suffolk Council, said: "As a resident and councillor for St. Olaves I am extremely happy that this development has finally got off the ground.

"It is something that is really needed for the local area. I do hope that it completes quickly and I will do all I can to ensure that happens.

Bury Mercury: Luke Halpin, who represents St Olaves on West Suffolk CouncilLuke Halpin, who represents St Olaves on West Suffolk Council (Image: West Suffolk Council)

"Marham Park is a lovely area and I look forward to developing more opportunities and amenities for the residents that I serve."

Work on the local centre, where the Co-op would have been situated, was due to be completed by autumn last year – but the site has not seen any building activity until now.

A design and access statement submitted to West Suffolk Council before approval was granted said the store would employ between 15 and 20 staff, three of which would be full-time employees.

Bury Mercury: Groundworks company Chris Daniel Groundworks has been seen at the siteGroundworks company Chris Daniel Groundworks has been seen at the site (Image: Newsquest)

This comes after the closure of the Co-op store in Mildenhall Road, a stone's throw from the Marham Park estate, that shut its doors on Saturday, August 19.

A West Suffolk Council spokesman said after the contractors were spotted: "We are not in a position to be able to confirm whether they have formally started work on the site."

Sheppard Developments has been approached for further comment.