A NEW convenience store is set to be built in a Fenland village after councillors said a building could make way for a shop and two flats.

Cambs Times: A view of the existing building on the site with the Five Alls pub in the backgroundA view of the existing building on the site with the Five Alls pub in the background (Image: Archant)

Fenland District Council’s planning committee approved plans by Manea businessman Bharat Sisodiya to build a shop in Lilyholt Road, Benwick.

Mr Sisodiya runs Londis, a general store, at Park Road, Manea.

He said: “I could not believe that the people of Benwick had to do without a shop for many years.

“The reaction I’ve got is that people are excited about the shop and looking forward to using it.

“It will be a Londis general store. We don’t want to put an exact date on it but we hope to be open early next year.”

Lee Bevens, Mr Sisodiya’s agent, welcomed the decision.

He said: “The majority of residents we have spoken to seem to be chuffed that they are finally going to get a shop back in the village.”

The proposal had been opposed by Benwick Parish Council and highways officers, who raised concerns about a lack of parking spaces.

But planners said: “We support development that will regenerate and cater for the retail needs of communities.”