Building work to redevelop Dartford's ailing town centre was finally given approval last night, 10 years after discussion first started.
Dartford counci's planning committee unanimously approved £80 million plans to regenerate Lowfield Street.
The development, which would see a 24-hour Tesco 'Extra' store in the town centre, is expected to create more than 400 jobs and 200 homes.
Proposals were discussed for more than two hours as environmental, transport, design and other concerns were debated.
Three people, including a Lowfield Street trader, objected to the scheme on the grounds Dartford would become a 'Tesco village.'
But, councillors agreed the development was much needed and have given the green light for building work to begin.
Former council leader Cllr John Muckle (Lab) said the town had been plagued by10 years of 'setbacks' since they were first discussed in 2001.
He said: "Doing nothing for Dartford is not an option, we cannot continue after 10 years of planning delays and setbacks to miss this opportunity to get the regeneration of Dartford moving."
The plans now require a legal agreement before building work can take place. The development is expected to take two years to build from when building work starts.