Neighbours are fighting a supermarket giant Sainsbury's bid to build a new store in St Albans.

The Review revealed last week that the chain was 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.

Geeta Joshi, of Stanmount Road, said: "I live near to this area and am very shocked that this supermarket has been given consent."

"We were not notified of the appeal as otherwise would have raised objections.

"As a family, we are very disappointed that we were not notified of their appeal and would still like to fight this."

The 50-year-old said the main objections were the fact there are two nearby convenience stores already, there will be more congestion, parking problems and those using the nearby pub garden will be effected.

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.

Reacting to the news on Facebook, Joanne Martin said: "No. It is terrible. It is not needed as there is a huge Sainsburys just down the road. Chiswell Green does not need it and it will put all of the small businesses out of business. Surprised so very few people bothered to sign a petition. Terrible decision."

Trisha De Freitas adeed: "They should build more houses, not another supermarket. There is a Sainsbury's down the road."

Zoë Morgan said: "So where was the petition and why did only 171 people sign against it. There are more than 171 people living in Chiswell green. For heaven's sake there's a Sainsbury's two miles away down the hill.

"I'm living in Park Street now but used to live along the Watford Road. The local shops were a necessity especially when my children were small. and I still pop in now and then when I'm on my home This can't go ahead. Someone needs to look further into how this has happened."

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.

What do you think? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.