Questions are being asked about a new supermarket on a sprawling estate after building work continued past its original opening date by over a year.

Construction is under way on the Co-op in Fieldfare Way, Queen's Hills, in Costessey, which would make it the first shop for the 1,879-home estate.

Norwich Evening News: Building work is continuing on the new Co-op store in Fieldfare Way on the Queen's Hills estate in Costessey (pictured in November 2021)Building work is continuing on the new Co-op store in Fieldfare Way on the Queen's Hills estate in Costessey (pictured in November 2021) (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Building work started on the major development, near the A47 and Longwater Retail Park, around 2006 and the majority of the homes were finished a few years ago.

There are only around 20 homes, being built for Cotman Housing Association, under construction in Fieldfare Way near the Co-op as well as three neighbouring business units, which are also yet to be finished.

The £830,000 Co-op store was expected to be completed by the end of September in 2021, according to a Co-op spokesman, but contractors remain on site.

Norwich Evening News: Costessey Town Council member Gary Blundell and his wife Sharon Blundell, a county councillor for Costessey, in Queen's Hills, where they liveCostessey Town Council member Gary Blundell and his wife Sharon Blundell, a county councillor for Costessey, in Queen's Hills, where they live (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Gary Blundell, a Costessey Town Council member who moved into Queen's Hills in 2007, said: "They have been doing a lot more work on it, including landscaping. We are waiting for a long time for it to come. I don't know why it has taken so long.

"Work is being done on it but it seems really slow. It is being done in dribs and drabs.

"It has become a bit of a joke on the estate and is a bit of a shame this is happening."

But he said building work was coming on nicely on the outside of the store and was sure a lot of people living in the estate would use it because it would be convenient.

Mr Blundell hoped it would open in 2023.

The nearest supermarket to Queen's Hills is the Sainsbury's supermarket in Longwater Retail Park and an Aldi store will be built nearby in William Frost Way.

The Co-op was approached for comment but was unable to respond.

Norwich Evening News: How the new Co-op store will look on the Queen's Hills estate in Costessey, Norwich, once completedHow the new Co-op store will look on the Queen's Hills estate in Costessey, Norwich, once completed (Image: Gary Johns Architects)

But a spokesman for the supermarket previously said: "We are delighted there is an opportunity to serve the community. We are working to develop the range, choice, products and added services locally to create a really compelling offer, conveniently – and are excited to welcome the community into their Co-op."

It is not yet known how many staff will be employed.