Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has been granted permission to turn a disused pub into a “real ale, food and wine establishment”.

Councillors gave plans to turn The Railway in Station Road, Rainham, the go ahead at last night’s planning meeting.

JD Wetherspoon’s original proposals received several objections from those living nearby and were rejected by the council planning committee in June last year.

Neighbours objected to the proposed roof garden, loss of light, outlook and privacy and an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance.

Planners refused the scheme as the extension would be out of proportion with the main building and failed to respect the character of the surrounding area and harm the street scene. There would also be a loss of trees.

But the new plans do not include a roof garden and the extension is lower in height and were approved last night.

Medway Council received 14 letters of support of the application and 10 letters of objection.

Lawrence Mills, who lives nearby, said: “It’s a great idea that Wetherspoons want to convert an old derelict pub into a new vibrant property.

“It will create jobs - cheaper beer - put some pressure on other pubs to fall in line.

“It will smarten up the corner plot by the station.”

Objections included concerns over noise, drink related accidents and anti-social behaviour.

The Railway closed in 2012 after the owners, Sarumdale pub group, went bust and a year later the boarded-up building was sold to an unknown buyer by administrators Begbies Traynor. The pub won planning permission in 2009 to build four one-bedroom flats in the back garden, but this expired in December 2012.

It was then purchased by Wetherspoon. The new pub will employ up to 30 people.