The prayers of hundreds of Redbourn shoppers have been answered after planning permission was given for a new Co-Op.

St Albans council’s planning committee had been advised to refuse permission for The Bull pub to be converted into a store.

However a vanguard of local councillors pushed past officers’ objections to grant conditional planning permission.

Redbourn’s Cllr Victoria Mead said at the meeting on Monday, August 14: “The public benefit outweighs any harm.

“The benefits include bringing the site back to life, and revitalising Redbourn high street.”

283 people sent letters to the council supporting the application to redevelop the High Street pub into a Co-Op.

Mrs Gascoyne of Wheatlock Mead wrote in: “At the moment it is a waste of space, and an eyesore.

“A large proportion of Redbourn residents are elderly people who cannot shop elsewhere.

“This is mainly due to poor bus service. This also applies to younger people with children, who do not have cars.”

Maria Maynard, who lives on the High Street wrote: “It is extremely important that this application is granted for the survival of the high street, which is so important to this expanding village.”

Officers had recommended councillors refuse planning permission and listed building consent.

This was because of the harm that could be done to the building by the conversion.

And because some of the necessary changes were not included in the planning permission.

Planning agent Steve Edgeller spoke at the meeting and said: “We have worked with planners and conservation officers to try and maintain as much of the historic fabric as possible.”

Since the Co-Op’s previous application to convert the pub into the store last Spring, Mr Edgeller said, changes had been made to their plans.

In the oldest part of the pub, which dates back to the 1500s, no walls would be moved.

And in the parts which dated back to the 18th century, the external features would be maintained.

The committee eventually granted planning permission, but with archaeological and structural conditions.

To see the plans, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk