A national pub and restaurant chain has been given the go-ahead to move into a former electrical goods shop in Sheerness.

Swale council's planning committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing Wetherspoon to move into the vacant Brittain and Hobbs in High Street, at a meeting last night.

The new venue will be named The Belle and Lion, after the first public house to be built in Mile Town, a historic part of Sheerness, which is now a conservation area.

A spokesman for the Watford chain said the development would create 35 jobs.

Once work starts, the transformation - which includes a beer garden - should be complete within four months.

The company's agent, Kathy Wallace, said: “There will be fantastic economic benefits through investment and the new jobs created.

“It will also be a new community facility for local residents and will enhance the historical character of the building.

“We will be investing £1.2m into the refurbishment that will bring new confidence in the area.

“The current site is an eyesore on Sheerness High Street.

“There will be substantial benefits the community which will enhance the viability and vitality of Sheerness town centre.”