Lidl's plans to open its new Anglia Retail Park supermarket by Christmas have been dashed after concerns were raised about the building's roof.

The supermarket is to be built on the site of the former B&Q garden centre by the owners of the site, council-owned Ipswich Borough Assets (IBA).

Planning permission was granted by planners at the end of last year and work had been due to start in the spring. With a 24-week build it had been due to open by Christmas.

Ipswich Star: The new Lidl will be built on the red footprint on the left of this picture.The new Lidl will be built on the red footprint on the left of this picture. (Image: Ipswich Borough Assets)

However at the last moment - and after it had been approved by councillors - an issue was raised about the roof of the building and preparations had to be put on hold.

Nothing has happened on the site, and although IBA is confident work will start later this year, it will not be open by Christmas.

The official comment from IBA was:  “Achieving the opening of the store pre-Christmas, was an ambitious timeframe.

"However, Ipswich Borough Assets and Lidl continue to work together to focus on opening a store that meets the highest possible standards.

"Having Lidl located at Anglia Retail Park is a great addition to the site, and with the tender for the construction now live, we will work together to achieve the optimal design.

"We look forward to working with Lidl to create excellent facilities ready for a successful opening in Summer 2024."

However it is understood there is considerable frustration within IBA at the time it has taken to deal with the issues with this application.

The proposal was first unveiled in 2021 and the full application was submitted to borough planners in March 2022.

Despite it getting overwhelming backing from councillors at its planning and development committee in October last year, these concerns have meant it has still not been possible to start work on the site.