DIY giants say they are determined to find a new Colchester store after their current shop was given permission to be turned into a Sainsbury’s.

Colchester Council’s planning committee voted to give Sainsbury’s permission to convert the B&Q on Lightship Way into a Sainsbury’s at a meeting last week.

But B&Q say they want to open a new store in Colchester, which is likely to be smaller than the current 73,000 sq ft site.

A spokesman for the company said: “We welcome the planning decision.

“B&Q is very committed to serving the people of Colchester and we are actively considering opportunities to secure a viable, long-term location for our store in the area.”

The 80 store employees are likely to be offered jobs at the new supermarket, which will boast 450 positions.

A closing date for B&Q has not yet been confirmed, but Sainsbury’s is expected to open next year.