A major supermarket chain has been given the green light to build a new supermarket in Chiswell Green.

The controversial plan for a Sainsbury's store in Watford Road has twice been refused by St Albans District Council's planning committee.

After lodging an appeal, a Government planning inspector has now given approval for developer Chiswell Maine to build next to the Three Hammers - a Grade II listed pub.

In her report, planning inspector Christa Masters said the shop would be used widely by people in the area.

The main objections to the proposal was the effect of the extended car park on the living conditions of existing and future occupiers of 20 Hammers Gate and 216 Watford Road.

Allowing the appeal, the inspector said the new supermarket could open between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 9am and 10pm on Sunday and Public holiday.

The application had 90 objections from concerned neighbours voicing concerns ranging from significant noise and disturbance to insufficient car parking and loss of green space.

In addition a petition with 171 signatures opposing the scheme was received by the council.

St Stephen parish council, which described the store as out of keeping with an historic pub and warned of the impact of noise and disturbance on surrounding residents, argued that there was no proof that the proposed noise mitigation measures would be effective.

The access to the new food store will be from Chiswell Green Lane.

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