DESPITE heartfelt objections from residents councillors last night gave approval to plans from JD Wetherspoons to arrive in Maldon.
The pub giant will now appear on the highstreet occupying the ex-post office - a building which has been left empty for five years.
The 'yes' vote was given despite an impassioned plea from 'Keep Maldon Unique' creator, Gillian Crawford, who asked members to consider the health implications for the town, the smokers that could spill out onto the narrow pavement, and the possible impact on the independent character of the town.
Councillor Cain said he was giving his approval with a 'heavy heart'. "In an ideal world there wouldn't be any big businesses on the high street and we'd have something that would better fit in with Maldon but if we reject this we'll do so looking at the town through rose-coloured glasses - that just isn't where we are and that's why I'll be supporting the application."
Councillor Mark Heard was the only member to vote against the proposal.
Approval was provided by the committee on the condition that the national company would look to create some socio-economic benefit to the town, in particular in training people via apprenticeships.