The identity of an out-of-town supermarket in the Cambridgeshire town of Soham remains unknown, despite the proposals gaining council approval a year ago.

East Cambridgeshire District Council approved the 41,000sq ft development last May against its planning officer’s recommendation, and contrary to the town centre first principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.

However, the operator has not been named and a Section 106 agreement - between the local authority and developer for associated infrastructure works - has not been signed.

A council spokesman said: “The District Council has yet to receive confirmation from the developer who the operator of the store will be. We hope the developer will provide this information as soon as possible to help inform local residents.”

But Asda is set to take over Jonathan James’ 7,000sq ft town centre-based Budgens store later this month. He announced he would lease the store to Asda earlier this year on the basis that “a supermarket should be located in the town centre”.