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In September IKEA finally confirmed the news that many of us in the South West had been waiting for - it would be opening a store in Exeter.

It's great news, considering it had been on the cards since January 2014.

Along with 220 new homes on the land adjacent to the A379 and Newcourt Way in Exeter, IKEA will be coming.

An alternative for those who despise the drive into Bristol or even Southampton - the new site will be easily accessible and closer than both of our existing nearest stores, at just an hour's drive from Somerset.

In November diggers moved onto the site in Exeter to carry out the required archaeological groundwork - but since then, news from the development has been fairly quiet.

A spokesperson from IKEA today (February 22) said: "IKEA was granted a full planning consent in December 2016. The works will include a full IKEA store with car park, restaurant, and a creche.

"Construction is due to commence on site in Spring 2017."